Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Projects:Archive everything

2026-05-06T04:05:12Z

Sojourna: /* The list */

This project aims to get as many reference links as possible on the wiki switched over to archival links, instead of live links.

== The need to fight link rot ==
Everywhere on the internet, you get link rot - where linked pages either get taken offline, or changed, and the link is no longer useful for its original purpose. Link rot is a doubly serious issue for the Consumer Rights Wiki, as fairly substantial points of fact about companies or incidents may hang on our references, which will often point to a company's own website. The best available way to counter link rot is through archival, and this page serves as a hub for making sure every wiki article has its references archived.

Of particular importance are any links to central pieces of evidence used to support a claim of fact related to something a company has said or done, especially if it is on the website of a company, and can be taken down by them at any time. A reference supporting a more commonly available and frequently changing fact like 'Apple's market cap is $x' is not as important to archive as a company's FAQ, but it certainly won't hurt to do so.

Certain webpages are un-usable when archived, typically due to [[Pay-walling|paywalls]] or embedded dynamic content (typically powered by [[JavaScript]]), and archival may not be appropriate for links leading to this kind of page. Some webpages require the use of a specific archival service (e.g. PreserveTube for YouTube links). To archive pages behind registration or date-of-birth walls that archival services cannot bypass, make a screenshot of the content after getting past the wall and upload it to [https://archive.org/upload Internet Archive] and/or Consumer Rights Wiki; content hosted on the wiki may serve as an archival of ''last-resort'', but ideally, proper archival services should be used where possible.

== What you need to do ==
The best possible option is to archive a site in as many places as possible, but any archival link is much better than none at all.

The '''minimum''' correct formatting for an archived citation requires the title, url, archive-url, and archive-date fields and will look something like this:

<code><nowiki><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQ – End of operations |url=https://www.spexor-bosch.com/en/faq/faq-end-of-operations/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250923061946/https://www.spexor-bosch.com/en/faq/faq-end-of-operations/ |archive-date=23 Sep 2025}}</ref></nowiki></code>

The full list of possible additional fields can be found here: {{Wplink|Template:Cite web}}. All you need to do is archive the relevant un-archived webpage (or find an archived copy closer to the date the reference initially accessed it), and then update the reference with the archival link.

This can either be done through the source editor (in which case citations will look like the text block above) or through the visual editor's citation tool (this can be found by clicking Insert -> More... -> Citation, or pressing crtl+shift+k).

=== Archival services ===
* [https://web.archive.org/ Internet Archive] – Primary, most popular archival service, sometimes throttles/blocks VPN IPs. Upload video files and/or screenshots [https://archive.org/upload here] of content that cannot be archived via wayback machine (e.g. Twitter videos downloaded with yt-dlp).
* [https://ghostarchive.org/ Ghost Archive] – Secondary archival service.
* [https://megalodon.jp/ Megalodon] – Secondary, Japanese archival service. Can archive YouTube comments.
* [https://preservetube.com/ PreserveTube] – Specifically for archiving YouTube videos.

'''Archive.today has been deprecated.''' This is because they weaponised their site's visitors to [[wikipedia:Denial-of-service_attack#Distributed_DoS|DDOS]] some guy's blogs for bizarre internet argument reasons (which calls into question the reliability of the maintainer and site, and the ethics of using it), and it's also been alleged that they have tampered with archive pages, which hurts our ability to rely on the site as an archive which can be used to actually verify things and support the claims made in articles.

As archive.today is run by one person who has now brought a lot of scrutiny onto themselves through their actions, there's also a very real risk that they just take the site down, so where practical it would be sensible to migrate links archived using archive.today to an alternate archiving service.

The result of the Wikipedia community's discussion on this matter can be found {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/Archive.is_RFC_5|here}}.

For guidance on replacing Archive.today links, see {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Archive.today_guidance|here}}.

===Alternative frontends & mirrors===
The following is a list of services that expose more lightweight, HTML-based, and ultimately more archive-friendly user interfaces of popular sites. '''They are not archival services in and of themselves.''' Some instances may have captchas that end up blocking certain archival services, try several.

* [https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/wiki/Instances Nitter]: Allows for viewing Twitter/X replies without login and therefore only way to archive replies. The best way to cite Twitter/X references.
* [https://codeberg.org/irelephant/kittygram#instances Kittygram]: Nitter-like frontend for Instagram.
* [https://github.com/redlib-org/redlib-instances/blob/main/instances.md Redlib]: Lightweight like old.reddit, good for getting around 18+/nsfw gates that archival services cannot pass (some subreddits flag all posts as nsfw regardless of content).
* [https://sci-hub.st/ SciHub]: Allows for the free and open access viewing of PDFs of many papers, great for getting around academic publisher paywalls to directly archive cited papers by archiving the SciHub page hosting the PDF. Alternatively, try reaching out to original authors and they will usually be happy to provide a copy for reference/citation on this wiki.
* [[Special:Upload|Consumer Rights Wiki]]: Upload screenshots of pages or PDFs for direct quoting or if an archival service cannot get past something like a registration-wall. Do not upload more of an article than is necessary for supporting the citation. Archive the CRW link or upload the file to [https://archive.org/upload Internet Archive file uploads] as CRW is '''not an archive on its own'''.

==The list==
Below is a manually updated table of (hopefully) all pages on the wiki, and the current status of their references.

Pages that are missing a references section or have an empty references section are listed as "N/A" as they either do not have links that need archiving, or if they do then those links need to be correctly moved to the references section and/or the page completed/cleaned/reformatted before adding archived links, which is beyond the scope of this project (See [[:Category:Articles in need of additional work]]). This may change if references are properly added to these pages in the future.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Page Name!!References Archived?!!Archived By
|-
|[[1Password]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[2021 WhatsApp privacy policy updates]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3B CPAP Devices (3b Medical) (ReactHealth)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3CX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3D printers]]||N/A||
|-
|[[3D Printing restrictions and bans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[4k Video Downloader+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[5CA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[7-Eleven]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[About]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Accellion data breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Acer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Acer Leap Ware smartwatch bricked by discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Acer settles online breach probe for $115k]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Activision Blizzard]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activision Blizzard account lock and forced arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activision discontinues Blur video game]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ad block]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ADDW car systems legislated in the EU]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Adobe Creative Suite activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe Digital Editions' ebook DRM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe ToS update gives the company rights over consumers' works]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe sued by FTC over hidden fees in subscription plans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Advertising overload]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adware]]||N/A||
|-
|[[AEG Powertools]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AEG Power Tools 58V product line discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Age verification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Agri Stats]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[AirAsia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AirPods]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[AirPods connection vulnerability]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[AirPods Max moisture issue]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Airsoft GI]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Airtel Axis Credit Card devaluation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Airthings ASA app release]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AI usage policy]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Akelius]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Alien Rides]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[AlienRides LLC tries and bans all importation of Electric Unicycles using patent law unless licensing fee is paid.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Alliance Laundry Solutions and Speed Queen]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Allstate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Alltech Services Inc]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Ally Financial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ally Invest Securities]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Amazon Fire TV]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle discontinues support for pre-2013 devices]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle removes download feature of purchased books]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon PhotosPlus discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon alters the content of purchased ebooks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon locks home owner out of Amazon account over allegation by Amazon delivery driver]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon Luna revocation of third-party games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon revokes access to their Appstore on non-Amazon devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Amazon to charge non-Prime consumers to use Alexa]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AMD]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AMD Platform Security Processor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ancestry.com]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android data collection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Android Developer Verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android System SafetyCore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anker]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anker Battery Bank Recall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anova Culinary]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Anova oven app subscription model]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anthem]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthem server shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthropic]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthropic Claude Code HERMES.md billing flaw]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Anthropic system prompt overrides consumersafety in Claude models]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anti-Cheat Expert]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Anti-privacy legislation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Anti-rollback/ARB for device firmware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Aotearoa/New Zealand consumer law]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple's planned obsolescence incidents]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple App Store]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Apple authorized service provider program]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Gatekeeper]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Apple introduces OS-level age verification]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Apple macOS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Media Services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple removes apps aiding protests]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Self Service Repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple TV+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Applebee's]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Apps deliberately refusing to work on modded devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arby's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arduino]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ariston]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Arity's alleged unauthorized driver data collection through mobile apps]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arlo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Ars Technica fake AI article on AI accusations]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Article suggestions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Artificial intelligence]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Artificial intelligence/training]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Assioma]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS charges for previously free service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[ASUS "sliding clip" battery connector defect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS downgrades a well-reviewed monitor panel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Asustor Drivestor NAS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AT&T]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Atlassian]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ATSC 3.0]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audi]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audible]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Audible class action lawsuit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audible subsidizes its streaming plan via premium credits]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Aura]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Australia Competition and Consumer Act 2010]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Autel - Otofix]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Authy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Autodesk]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Autodesk Fusion EOL on Intel based MacOS systems running OpenCore legacy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Automatic content recognition]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Automotive digital rights management]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Avid Technology]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AWS Lightsail Won't Cancel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Axis]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Axis Bank]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Axon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Backdoor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bait-and-switch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Balena]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Farm Manager]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Lab]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bambu Lab Authorization Control System]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Lab LAN mode guide]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bambu private keys leaked less than 24 hours after announcement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandai Namco EULA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandcamp]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Bandicam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandicam perpetual license invalidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Battery Health Assistance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Battery firmware lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Belkin]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Best Buy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Best Buy discontinuation of Insignia Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BetterHelp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Better Way Electronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bitly]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Bitly QRCodeGenerator.com QR code lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bitly QR Code preview page advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlackVue]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive, Ghost Archive, Megalodon
|-
|[[BlackVue firmware security vulnerabilities]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[BlackVue GPS location broadcasting]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[BlackVue mandatory app registration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Blink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloatware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloomberg]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloomberg DMCA strikes GamersNexus video]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Blu-Ray Ultra-HD DRM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlueCruise hands-free driving]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlueDriver OBD2 scanner now requires account login and collects data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW API restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[BMW's high beam assistant (HBA)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-p
|[[BMW Proprietary Screws]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Booking.com]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Booking.com Post-Payment Terms Disclosure]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Bootloader unlocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bosch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bosch Cloud Dishwasher Incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bosch Spexor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Bose]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Bose QuietComfort Sleepbuds doesn't allow purchasing new case]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bose SoundTouch end of life treatment]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[BowFlex, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Box Tops for Education]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brainly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Brave browser]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brave puts affiliated links in the address bar]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brax]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Breville Coffee Maker]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brilliant]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Broadband choice reduction by Brendan Carr's FCC]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Broadcom Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Brother Industries Ltd.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother DCP-L3550CDW aftermarket toner failure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother printers causing issues with third party inks]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Buffalo Wild Wings]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bumpgate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bungie]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bunnings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bureau of Consumer Protection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Burger King]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Buy now, pay later]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Buy one, get one free]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[ByteDance]]||N/A||
|-
|[[California Privacy Rights Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cambridge Analytica Scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cameras bricked on iPhone 13 series after iOS update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Cami Research]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canadian Bill S-209]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canadian bread price fixing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canadian internet providers circumvent CRTC protection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canary]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canon Camera Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon EOS Webcam Utility patch guide]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Canon ink DRM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon legacy scanner driver abandonment]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon printers disable scanning when ink is low]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canonical]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canva]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Canva 2019 data breach]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canva Affinity Studio adds arbitration clause]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Capital One]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Capital One Shopping]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[CAPTCHA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[CARIAD]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Carly]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Casey Stefanski]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Cava Grill]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cerberus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cerberus Phone Security Login with ad blocker no longer possible]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CF Moto puts previously included features behind paywall]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CgNAT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chamberlain Group]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chamberlain removes API access from new and existing garage door openers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Change.org]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Charles Schwab]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chase Bank]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chat Control]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[ChatGPT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ChatGPT-4o]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chevron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chick-fil-A]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Chipotle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Chrome OS ends support for school Chromebooks]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Chromium]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chuwi - 7430U product false advertisement]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cinemark]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Circular economy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco anti-competitive practices lawsuits]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Cisco Removing access to critical downloads for products that are end-of-support]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Requiring a service contract to download in-support device firmware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Smart Licensing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Systems, Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Claude]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive, Megalodon
|-
|[[Clearview AI]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Click-to-cancel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Click Adventure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Clip Studio Paint changes perpetual license to subscription model]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Clippy Campaign]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Cloud (service)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Cloudflare]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Clover Network, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[COBB Tuning]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Coffee Meets Bagel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Coles 'Down Down' price manipulation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Colgate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Collective Shout]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Colorado SB26-090 critical infrastructure exemption]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Comcast]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commercial weather apps lose summary proceedings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commodity Futures Trading Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commonwealth Bank collection of Biometric Data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CompTIA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ConnectedLife SmartDry discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consent-or-pay]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Advice (UK)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Defense Code]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Consumer Financial Protection Bureau]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Rights Act 2015]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Technology Association]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Corporate greed]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Costco]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Costco's collection and sharing of data through Meta's tracking pixel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Covert web-to-app tracking by Meta and Yandex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cox Communications]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Crash Team Racing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Crave app refuses televisions based on production date]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creality]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creality forces update that removes features from their 3D scanners]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creative Fabrica licensing risks and ownership verification concerns]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Cricut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Crunchyroll]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cryptic Studios]]||N/A||
|-
|[[CSS tracking]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cuisinart]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CursorAI adds rate limits to unlimited plans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CYBERGUN]]||N/A||
|-
|[[CYMA Airsoft]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Daily Wire + lifetime Membership Terms Scope of the Subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dairy Queen]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dark pattern]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Data brokers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Datacolor "sunsetting" older Spyder monitor calibrators]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Data lock-in]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DAZN]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DCS sues small YouTuber for accurate review]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[De-anonymization]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Dead star server shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Deep Cycle Systems]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[DeepSeek]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Deerrun walking pads & treadmills startup]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Delisting and shut down of Age of Empires 3]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dell]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denny's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denon HEOS Speakers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denuvo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Derrimut Gym revokes 24/7 access after running sale promoting 24/7 access gym]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deutsche Kreditbank (DKB)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Device bricking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Device fingerprint]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Device lifecycle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deye]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dictionary.com shuts down premium app after selling lifetime subscriptions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Childhood Alliance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Fairness Act]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Digital Markets Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital rights management]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Disabling online features in retaliation]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Disc rot]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Discontinuation bricking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discontinuation of Ikawa Home Roasters]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Disboard]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Discord]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discord's mandatory age verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discord / 5CA Data Breach]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney requires an active subscription to delete a Disney+ account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+ ad policy change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+ household restrictions and access limitations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DIW7022 mandatory wireless operation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DJI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Osmo Pocket 3]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DJI Ronin RS4 Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Romo robot vacuum vulnerability]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DMarket]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[DMCA Section 1201]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Domino's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Doordash]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Downloadable content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DSGVO-Portal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DuckDuckGo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Duolingo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Duracell Energy EV Charger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dymo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dynamic pricing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson V10/V11 trigger design]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson battery lifespan reduced by design and difficult to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson covers circuit board in glue]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson ends relationship with third-party repair centers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[E-Bike Tuning Detection: Bosch and Yamaha’s Anti-Tampering Systems]]||N/A||
|-
|[[EA moves to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EA releases source code of classic command and conquer titles]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EA requires open beta players of battlefield 6 to change their motherboard bios settings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EBay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EBay opts-in users for AI training]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Echelon fitness firmware lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Ecoflow]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EduVULCAN]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Eight Sleep]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EINSTAR VEGA hidden activation requirement before file transfer is enabled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Electronic Arts]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Electronics leasing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Elgato forces Stream Deck users to sign up]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Elon Musk]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Elsagate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat - ST55U]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[End-user license agreement]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Enshittification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Entities refusing to distribute copyleft licensed software under license terms]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EO]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Epic Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Epic Games forces third party account creation in Rocket League]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Epik]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Epson printer waste ink counter restrictions]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Etoro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[EU enforcement actions against Shein for consumer rights violations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Eufy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Europe-based news sites enact consent-or-pay for data tracking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[European Consumer Centre on the Lack of Quality Standards for Exalted Skins]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EVGA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EviCore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Excessive data collection by cars]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Extron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EZVIZ]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[F1TV concurrent streams limit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[F-Droid]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Facebook account recovery requires mobile phone verification with limited non-SMS alternatives]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fairphone 5 bricked by faulty Android 15 update]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Fake lifetime license]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fake memory still being sold on eBay and Amazon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fal (AI company)]]||N/A||
|-
|[[False advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fandom]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Fear of missing out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Feature ransom]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Features on demand]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Federal Communications Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Federal Trade Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ferrari]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Figma]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Figma threatens companies using "Dev Mode"]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fiio]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Filmora lifetime licenses terminated]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Final Draft software activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Financial Industry Regulatory Authority]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Financial censorship]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Firefox]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Firefox introduces TOS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[First-sale doctrine]]||N/A||
|-
|[[First Press Games not producing goods paid for]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fisher-Price discontinues Smart Connect app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fitbit]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 Battery Performance Program]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Flat Earth Clock App]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Flightradar24]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Flo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Flock Safety]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Flock Safety Nova uses dark web data for surveillance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Flock license plate readers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Forced app download]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced account]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced arbitration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced cloud]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forced eSIMs]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced identification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced indemnification]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forced retention of payment methods]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced User Agreement on Jetbrains IntelliJ software]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forcing full motherboard replacement in mid range phones]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ford ad patent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Ford Connected Built-In Navigation trial and removal of service]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford Mustang Mach E 2026 Requires Payment for Frunk]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Ford repossession patent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Formlabs]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Formlabs acquisition of Micronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Fortnite]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fossify]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Framework]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[FreePhoneLine revokes Lifetime VoIP service for monthly subscription model]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Free software movement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Friend app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Frontier Airlines]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Frontier Airlines obfuscates web check-in form]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fruitbat Factory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[FTC Lawsuit against Turbo Tax free software]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[FTC sues PepsiCo for rigging Soft Drink Competition]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fujifilm Instax Cameras]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Funimation "Forever" Content License Revocation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[FUTO]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Future Motion]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Futurehome]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Futurehome Smarthub mandatory subscription fee]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Gaia GPS adds "feature" that opts all users into social media profile and location/activity sharing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Game-of-telephone privacy policy]]||N/A||
|-
|[[GameSpy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GameSpy server shutdown]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GameStop]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[GameStop Short Squeeze]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Games as a service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GE Appliances]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Geeni]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GeForce Now]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[General Data Protection Regulation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Electric refrigerators]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors (OnStar)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors data collection and sharing controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Generative artificial intelligence]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Genshin Impact]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GE Refrigerator water filter DRM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gigantti pressured additional subscriptions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gillette]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GitHub]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Glance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Glasswire]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GOG.com]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoGuardian]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoIt changing its warranty conditions post-sale]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoPro]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoPro Karma]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[GoPro advertises waterproof cameras despite design flaw and lack of warranty]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoTo Group]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Good2Go Mobile (Canada) phases out 3G network, Merges with LuckyMobile]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Goodlife now require App to access gyms]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoodRX sells health information to advertisers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Android restrict app sideloading]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Chrome]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Google Chrome automatically disables uBlock Origin]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Chromebook]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google forces your device to join their "Find Hub" network, hard to opt out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Gemini]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Jamboard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google LSA terms of service change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Mobile Services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Nest]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google OnHub]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google password manager overrides third-party autofill]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Google Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel 9 Pro camera bar separates from phone body]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Buds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Buds "Touch and Hold" discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Watch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Google Play Integrity API]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google search engine supports opaqueness for companies]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GrapheneOS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GREE Electric]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Greenwashing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Groupon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gryphon Online Safety, Inc.]]||N/A||
|-
|[[GTA 5 moves to kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Guardzilla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Guide:How to circumvent Synology hard drive restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Guide: HP Ink Cartridge ID Chip Swap]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Guide - Windows 10 end of support]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Gun Safe Widespread Deceptive Advertising]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[H&R Block]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Haier]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Halfords Limited]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Happy Bar & Grill biometric surveillance tool development]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Happiest Baby]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hardware as a service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Hauptwerk expiration of perpetual license download]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HBO Max]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HBO Max downgrades lifetime subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[HealthEquity difficult login]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Helldivers 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HelloSimply.com]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HelloSimply.com: easy to subscribe, difficult to unsubscribe]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Hidden EULA language]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hikvision]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hisense]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hisense adds unskippable ads to its GUI on the Spanish models]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Hisense H9G Smart TV]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[HNGRYnsite Camera: From smart kitchen aid to e-waste]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hogwarts Legacy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Home Bargains]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Home Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Honda]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Honda requires connection of the car to the internet and creating an account to be able to download offline map updates.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Hotelgiftcard creates surprising expenses for consumers]]||N/A||
|-
|[[How to help]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HP adds 15 minutes to all customer service phone calls]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Dynamic Security]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Instant Ink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[HP Laptop Subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Printers locking functionality behind ink availability]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Reverb G2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP systemic DRM and firmware lockouts]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Huawei]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humane Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humble Bundle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humble Bundle alters terms of sale]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hyundai]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brake pad repair restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[iCloud]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ID.me]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IFTTT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IFTTT discontinued Legacy plan]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IHOP]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IKEA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IKEA ÅSKVÄDER]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ILife]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Imgur]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[In-N-Out Burger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Inactive account deletion]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Inclusion of forced arbitration in Crunchyroll January 2025 TOS update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Indeed forced arbitration and bundling of consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Infomaniak]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360 X5]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Instacart uses algorithmic pricing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Instagram]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Instagram removes end-to-end encryption for direct messages]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Intel]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Intel CPUs stability issue]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Intel Management Engine]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Interactive Brokers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Interchangeable parts]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Internet Archive]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Internet of things]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Intuit]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Invitation Homes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IP Biometrix]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[iPhone]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IPhone 6 error 53 fingerprint sensor incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[iRobot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Itch.io]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Itron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jack in the Box]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Jagex revokes grandfathered RuneScape monthly subscription pricing after purchasing yearly subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jailbreak]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jamba Juice]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JavaScript]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jeep]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JetBlue Travel Credits]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JetBrains retires CodeCanvas]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jimmy John's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[John Deere]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere dealerships lobby against right to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere fails to uphold right to repair agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere security flaws exposed sensitive customer information]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Jones v. Ford Motor Co.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kemper guitar amplifer modeler puts features behind paywall after firmware update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kerbal Space Program 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kernel level anti-cheats]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kernel level driver]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Keurig]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Keychron k13 pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Keyshot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KFC]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kilter Board]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KingSong]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KPN mandatory SMS authentication]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kroger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kroger Grocery store electronic shelf labels & facial recognition]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kroger merger deal with Albertson]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kwik Trip]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Kwikset discontinues Kevo smart lock app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[L.A. Noire "Patch" mandates use Rockstar Games Launcher and Social Club account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LA Fitness makes it purposely difficult to cancel memberships]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LaLiga forces Spanish ISPs to mass-block Cloudflare IPs during Soccer Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lamborghini]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LastPass]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Leadwerks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[League of Legends: Exalted Skins Exclusive Cosmetics]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Lebara]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Legal lockout]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Lemmy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo Mirage AR]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo Tablets (Android)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Leo Express]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[LG Bootloader incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG G4 malfunctions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG Television sale of personal data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG refrigerator warranty scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Liberty Safe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lieferando]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Life360]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Life360 Terms of Service forced arbitration agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Lightspeed Aviation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lincare Holdings Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Linea Sketch revokes lifetime licenses]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LinkedIn]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[List of anti-consumer SLAPP lawsuits]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[List of Google products]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of companies]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of companies that automatically void warranties for repaired products]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of companies that block Internet Archive]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[List of discontinued online-only video games]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of kernel-level anti cheats]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of phones that do not allow bootloader unlock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of products and services with forced arbitration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of products and services with post-purchase license change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[List of products bricked by discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of services without clear cancellation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Litter Robot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Little Machine Shop]]||N/A||
|-
|[[LiveRamp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LiveView Technologies]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech G HUB]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech Harmony]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech webcams]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Louis Rossmann - Video Directory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[MagicGate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Magic Leap]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MakerBot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malicious compliance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malwarebytes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mandatory data collection on PlayStation's PC ports]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ManyCam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mark Zuckerberg]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mastercard]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Maytag]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda DMCA takedown of open source Home Assistant app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's 2017 India Leak]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's Japan malware attack]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[McDonald's South Korea and Taiwan Hack]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Medical equipment]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meetup.com account creation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mega.io]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Memrise]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meraki MS390]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercado Libre]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz EQS rear-wheel steering requires subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercury Insurance]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Merkury Innovations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Meta]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meta AI permanent account suspensions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meta Portal]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Micron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Micron retires Crucial products from consumer business]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Microsoft account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Authenticator]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Copilot]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Microsoft Copilot's recall feature]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Edge]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft ends use of bypassnro.cmd for Windows 11]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Office 365]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Microsoft Windows]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Windows 11]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Miele]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MikroTik ignoring WiFi disconnecting after firmware upgrade on hAP ax3 / ax2 / cAP ax]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Miku]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Miku charges subscription for previously free features]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Miku Terms of Service and Arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Milwaukee battery drm]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MinIO Object Browser: Removal of Management Features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft account migration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft Beta pre-1.8's lack of authentication]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Minecraft Chat Reporting and Restriction]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Minecraft enforcing undisclosed server EULA terms]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Minecraft LAN gameplay paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft post-purchase ownership rights changes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[MinestoreCMS converting your license without approval]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MIRC]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MitID]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mitsubishi Group]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Model F Labs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Moderation problems in online marketplaces]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mojang]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Mojang shuts down community-run Minecraft servers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Molekule did not disclose air purifier data vulnerability]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down their app if purifiers used with third party air filters]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Monetization overload]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Monopoly]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Monoprice]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Monsanto]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Motorola]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Movies Anywhere]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mozilla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MSI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MSI motherboard CMOS battery obsolescence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mullvad VPN]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MyFitnessPal regressive upgrade]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Namecheap]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nanoleaf]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[National Grid USA smart meter data collection in New York and Massachusetts]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[National Security Agency]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NDAA has military right to repair stripped from it in favor of data as a service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Neato cloud shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Negative option marketing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nestlé]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NetLimiter]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Netatmo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netatmo Zigbee devices refuse to connect to third-party gateways]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Netflix]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix Games deactivated]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix delisting 23 game titles]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix stream-quality controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netgate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Newag]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ngenic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ngenic forces subscription on previously “lifetime” Tune customers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Niimbot label printer (RFID-tagged labels)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nike]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nike Adapt: Smart shoes with app Integration and discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nikon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Nintendo's May 2025 Policy Updates]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo 3rd party dock restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch bans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nissan]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nissan EVconnect application shutdowns (UK)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nissan shuts 2G car service in UK]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nitro PDF License Deactivating]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nitro Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nixplay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Non-disclosure agreement]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Non-fungible tokens]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[NOOK 1st gen devices end of life]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NordVPN]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Notability]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nothing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nothing Phone (1)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Now TV]]||N/A||
|-
|[[NOYB]]||N/A||
|-
|[[NProtect GameGuard]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Nvidia]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nvidia buys stake in Intel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nvidia threatens GamersNexus]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZ eRUC all-cars 24/7 GPS Surveillance proposal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZXT]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZXT Flex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Oasis Water]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Octopus Energy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Oculus (Meta) Quest 1 Deprecation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ofcom]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Okkazeo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ola Electric disables vehicle riding modes without MoveOS+ subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OneDrive]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OnePlus]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Oneplus AI tools / Mindspace]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Oneplus phone update introduces hardware anti-rollback]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OpenAI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Openclaw.ai]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Opera]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Opt-out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Optimum]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Optus]]||N/A||
|-
|[[OtO Lawn discontinues solutions program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Other Channels - Video Directory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Otter.ai]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Palantir]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Panasonic Lumix S5IIX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Panda Express]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Panera Bread]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Panera's failure to disclose a known security breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Papa John's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Paragon NTFS software license invalidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Part pairing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Patreon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pay-walling]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PayPal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PayPal Honey]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[PayPal requests ID post-purchase for cryptocurrency]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Payscore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PCIe power connector design linked to melting GPU cables]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PEAK (video game)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pearson]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[PeerTube]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pelco]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Peloton]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Peloton removes Just Run feature]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Peloton used-equipment activation fee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PepsiCo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PepsiCo sued by FTC for rigging Soft Drink Competition]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Perplexity AI]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Perplexity throttles PRO subscribers without prior notice]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Persona]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Personal Data Protection Law]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Personal Information Protection Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Personalized ads]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PETKIT Pura Max 2 — Region-Lock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PFAS cover-up]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[PHH Mortgage Corporation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Philips]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Philips Hue: MotionAwareTM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Philips Hue starts requiring an account for the Hue app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Philips shuts down Smart TV service of a lot models sold between 2009 and 2013]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Phone Number Prefix Normative]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Photobucket]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pinterest]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pitboss Grills]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Pixel 5a]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pizza Hut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Planned obsolescence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PlayStation 3 "Yellow Light of Death"]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation 3 Removal of OtherOS with System Update 3.21]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation Lease with Flex]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PlayStation Network Account Requirement for PC Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation restricts how developers can give upgrades to "PS5" editions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Plex Media Server]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pluralsight]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pluralsight revokes lifetime licenses]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Plutus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PNC Bank]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pocket Casts]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Podkicker Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PolarBackup - Cloud Storage]]||N/A||
|-
|-
|[[Polestar]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Polestar 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Polestar paywalls performance update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Popeyes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Positive practices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Post-purchase EULA modification]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Poste Italiane turned a free identification service into a subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Predatory microtransactions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Presonus removes VSL mixing app from VSL audio interfaces products line]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Price fixing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Printer tracking dots]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PROCON]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proposed Ring-Flock partnership (2025-2026)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Protection One 320P1 Security System]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proton]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proton Mail]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Proton Mail discloses activist IP address to police]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proven Industries v. Trevor McNally]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PsychonautWiki Journal locks drug & interaction tracking behind Paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Purism]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Qantas]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Qantas sale of tickets for cancelled services (ghost flights)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Qardio]]||N/A||
|-
|[[QIDI 3D printer house fire]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Qualcomm]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Quidd]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[QuikTrip]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[RAM Shortage]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Raylo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer account “Human Verification” promotes World ID biometric verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer Corp. Ends Software Degrading Consumer Devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer Pro Click and Pro Click Mini]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ReCAPTCHA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reason Studios]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reckon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Robin]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Red Shell tracker]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Sky Labs Muzio Player Premium post-purchase terms change]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Ventures]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Redbox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Reddit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reddit made it impossible for blind Redditors to moderate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Remote disabling]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Renault Zoe connected services subscription]]||N/A||
|-
|[[RepairShopr]]||N/A||
|-
|[[RepairShopr data privacy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ResellerRatings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Restaurant Brands International]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Restaurant Brands International caught training AI models using customer voices]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Retailers requiring police reports for missing items in orders]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Retroactive policy enforcement]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Retroid Pocket MINI Handheld]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reverse engineering Bambu Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reverse engineering vs illegal hacking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut blocked access for users with custom OS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut blocking Lyca Mobile automated payment blocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut verify ID email spam]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Richard Stallman]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rights stripping]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Right to own]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Right to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ring]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Riot Vanguard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rivian]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Robinhood Financial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Roblox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roblox's problematic moderation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roborock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rocksmith]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rockstar Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rohde & Schwarz]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roku]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rosetta Stone]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rosetta Stone bricks legacy CD-based and downloadable software]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rovio]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Ryanair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Salad and Go]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Samsung ads in refrigerators]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Bothersome visual and audible pop up every 2 hours on certain TV models]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Frame TV asks for subscription to view photos]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3's camera gets artificially blocked after unlocking the bootloader]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Gear 360 software and services discontinued]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Odyssey]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Samsung One UI 8 Bootloader Restriction]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung self-repair program restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung SmartCam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Samsung TVs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sandisk disables IXpand drive app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sandisk Wireless Flash Drives]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sassy Saints review copyright claim]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Save Wizard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Scopely, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Screenshot blocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Scribd]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seagate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seagate sells old hard drives as new]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seattle Avionics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SecuROM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[SecuRam installs backdoor on ProLogic series safe locks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Secure boot]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Secure gateway module]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Securities and Exchange Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Securities and Exchange Commission search tools]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Security]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Security through obscurity]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Self-destructive design]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Self-hosting]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sengled]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Serato DJ Pro / DJM-S11]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sevenhugs Smart Remote products discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sezzle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shake Shack]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shell]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Shimano]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Shoney's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shopee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shortage of medical ventilators during COVID-19 pandemic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shrinkflation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sideloading]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sig Sauer]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Signal]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Signal cloud backups]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SimplePractice]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Singapore police jail woman based on data stored in car infotainment system]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Singtel, Singapore Telecommunications Limited]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SiriusXM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Sketchfab]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Skoda Citigo Move&Fun app discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SkyDrop (Smart Irrigation)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Slack]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SLAPP suits and legal intimidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Slashdot websites require TOS acceptance without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smart meter]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartaira & plume wifi motion detection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartwool]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Smartwool adds forced arbitration to EULA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartyplus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Snapchat]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Software as a service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Software bricking]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Software-gating]]||N/A||
|-
|[[SolaX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonos]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Sony]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony's attempted removal of "purchased" content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony PlayStation 30-day license check controversy (2026)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sony Playstation hardware bans from online services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Sony PlayStation Vita proprietary memory card ban]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony Xperia turns camera monitor into subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony x900h television]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sophos Limited]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SoundCloud]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sparx Skate Sharpener]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spectrum]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spore (game)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spotify]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Spotify Car Thing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Spyware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Square Reader]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Stadia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[StarForce Technologies]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Star Citizen]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Starlink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Starlink replaces subscription pause with $5/mo low speeds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Steam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Steam Deck]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SteamOS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SteelSeries]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis customer data breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis in-car advertisements]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[STMicroelectronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Stop Killing Games]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Storefront shutdown]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Storj.io constantly removes free or low cost services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stripe]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stångåstaden kickbacks and hidden rent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subaru Starlink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subscription service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subway]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subway footlong pass ineligibility]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[SumUp blocks card readers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SunStrong Management LLC puts solar monitoring app behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Superhive]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Swiffer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Swiggy and Zomato refuse to refund customers for cancelled orders]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Switch Game Key-Card]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Synology]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Systemd Adds Age Indication Ahead of Schedule]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Taco Bell]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tado]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Take Two]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tapo P115 firmware update breaks Home Assistant integration]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Target]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TD Ameritrade]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TDK AIsight]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tea Dating Advice]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Team17]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TeamViewer]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TeamViewer terminates perpetual licenses]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tekken 8 retroactively introducing micro transactions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telecom Egypt]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telegram]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telstra]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Temu]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Terms of service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Terumo Cardiovascular]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Terumo Cardiovascular discontinues third-party repair of System 1]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Tesla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Tesla Cybertruck voids warranty if Powershare feature is used]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla asks customers to vote against Right to Repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla blames drivers for part failures it admits were defective]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla locks battery range behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla locks heated rear seats behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla locks horsepower behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla Powerwall]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla remote FSD removal over third-party accessories]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tesla switches full self-driving to subscription only]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Testo disables free Saveris Cloud and forces paid subscription on existing customers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tesvor x500]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Texas Consumer Complaint Portal]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Texas Instruments]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The Coca-Cola Company]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The Consumer Right to Repair Digital Electronics Equipment Act (Colorado)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[The Economist]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[The Italian digital identity wallet only supports Google-certified Android devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The US undermines the Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework with the EU by firing PCLOB staff]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The rights of residential and holiday mobile homeowners (England)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Thinkpad X1 Carbon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Thrive Market]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tidal updates terms without explanation or opportunity to decline]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TikTok]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TikTok and AI-powered ad tracking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tim Hortons]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tim Hortons app collects user data without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tinder]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[T-Mobile T-Life app screen recording controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[T-Mobile US]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tokyo Marui]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Tom Evans Audio copyright strike]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Tonies]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Top Contributors]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Toyota]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[TP-Link]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TracFone Wireless, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Trump Mobile]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Trusted computing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Turkcell Superonline]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tuya Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Twitch]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tyre warranty sold via mobile fitting, redeemable only at fixed garages]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Uber]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Uber EULA precludes jury trial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubiquiti]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ubisoft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Ubisoft forces players in single-player games to be connected to the internet to collect data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubisoft in-game data collection GDPR complaint (2025)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubox / Anisee / RBX-B10 4G Low-Power Solar Wifi Security Camera]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[UFC-Que Choisir]]||N/A||
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[UltiMaker]]||N/A||
|-
|[[UniTranslate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Uniform Commercial Code]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[United Chargers Inc puts Open Source interface access behind paywall on Grizzl-E car chargers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unity]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unity Engine runtime fee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Universal Music Group has a team dedicated to eroding fair use rights]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Unlocking Technology Act of 2013]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unnecessary retirement of Microsoft Office Lens]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[UPS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Urban Air Adventure Park]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[USAGov]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[US Bureau of Consumer Protection]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[User testing for mandatory paid subscription into Tado Smart Thermostat app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[US Mobile]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[VPN Secure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Value based pricing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Valve removes arbitration requirement from Steam Subscriber Agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Varusteleka]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Venmo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Veo paywalls camera features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vercel's anti-consumer recharge]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Verisk Analytics, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Verizon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Verkada Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[VidIQ]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Video Games Europe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Video game preservation]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Videos to Convert to Articles]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Viessmann]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Virgin Media]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Virtual Racing School]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Visa]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Visual Studio Code]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[VitalSource "Lifetime" false advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vital Proteins sells products with terms and conditions inside the container]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vitalant]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vivint Smart Home, Inc.]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Vizio]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio fined by the FTC for collecting and selling user data without consumer consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio sued over unfairly appropriated software for their SmartCast system]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio Walmart account requirement for smart TV features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VMware]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VMware licensing change since acquisition by Broadcom]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vodafone disables IPv4 support on mobile broadband network]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Voice over LTE]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VOIPO overbills customers and denys refunds]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen AG - SFD(2) / UNCE - Protection of car diagnosis]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen car-location data-exposure incident]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Voluntary Recall of NVIDIA Shield K1 Tablets]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volvo VIDA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vont]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[VRChat]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VRS Sim Racing Wheel Base full torque locked behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vulcan Strength]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Vultr]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wacom]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Wacom legacy tablet driver abandonment]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Waffle House]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Wallbox Quasar]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Walmart]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Walmart's Onn devices bricked after update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Warcraft III legacy CD keys no longer redeemable on Battle.net]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Warp.dev]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Washington house bill 2321 regarding 3d printers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Waste ink counter]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Waymo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Web cookie]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wegmans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wendy's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WeTransfer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Wemo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wemo discontinuation of service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Western Digital]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[What3words]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WhatsApp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Whistle pet tracker shutdown IoT fail]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Whoop]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Windows installation USB drives]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Winston-Salem Journal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WKDA GmbH]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Wondershare]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Preservetube
|-
|[[World of Warcraft]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Wyze]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[XAI]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Xbox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Xbox Game Pass]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xbox Network]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xcode]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[X Corp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Xiaomi]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Xiaomi Phone unlock requirements and procedure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xiaomi Yi Home]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xlear]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yahoo!]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Yahoo! mandatory use of AI on all consumer services and content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yandex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[You Need A Budget]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[YouTube]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[YouTube age verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Yubo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yum! Brands]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Zoom (product)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Zoom changed Terms of Service for Data Collection and Force Arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Zoom Communications]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Zyxel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|}

[[Category:Projects]]

Agri Stats

2026-05-06T04:04:10Z

Sojourna: /* U.S. v. Agri Stats, Inc. (September 2023—) */

{{StubNotice}}

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1985
|Industry=Data Collection, Comparative Data
|Logo=Agri-stats-logo-920.png
|ParentCompany=Agri Stats Omega Holding Co. LP
|Type=Inc
|Website=https://www.agristats.com/|Description=Provide comparative agricultural data to organizations in the industry in order to support data driven decision making.}}

'''Agri Stats''' is a company based in Indiana, U.S. which collects and analyzes comparative data to sell to agricultural organizations in support of data driven decision making. They were founded in 1865 by Jim Cox, who was a poultry farmer at the time. The company website states that the business started "as a way to help chicken producers make informed decisions based on flock-level cost and performance data"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Company History |url=https://www.agristats.com/company-history/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=Agri Stats}}</ref>. They have since expanded into other agricultural markets including but not limited to swine, feed, livestock, sanitation, and vaccination.

==Consumer-impact summary==

===Business Model===
With filings against the company by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice for anti-competitive practices<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-28 |title=U.S. v. Agri Stats, Inc. |url=https://www.justice.gov/atr/case/us-v-agri-stats-inc |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=U.S. Department of Justice}}</ref>, this shows a possibility for their business model being anti-competitive in nature.

===Market Control===
The nature of Agri Stats data means that if the services they are providing aren't sufficiently anonymized, then it can lead to unreasonable market control. Their business model relies on a preservation of "confidentiality among processors by masking the sources of the data it reports"<ref>{{Cite news |last=Douglas |first=Leah |last2=Leonard |first2=Christopher |date=2019-08-02 |title=Is the US chicken industry cheating its farmers? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/aug/03/is-the-us-chicken-industry-cheating-its-farmers#:~:text=Agri%20Stats%20was%20founded%20in,anything%20about%20its%20business%20model. |url-status=live |work=The Guardian}}</ref>, however, de-anonymization, especially of sensitive information, can lead to a restraining of competition<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norris Donahue |first=Lauren |last2=Pereira Duarte |first2=Victoria |date=2024-10-15 |title=DOJ Speaks Again: Information Exchanges Can Constitute Stand-Alone Violation of Antitrust Laws |url=https://www.klgates.com/DOJ-Speaks-Again-Information-Exchanges-Can-Constitute-Stand-Alone-Violation-of-Antitrust-Laws-10-15-2024#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20more%20sensitive%20the%20information,information%20can%20still%20raise%20concerns. |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=K&L Gates}}</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]].

===Anti-Competitive Practices===

==== U.S. v. Agri Stats, Inc. (''September 2023—'') ====
On September 28, 2023 the Department of Justice filed a complaint against Agri Stats on the basis of violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1, which states that any contract "in restraint of trade or commerce among the several States, or with foreign nations, is declared to be illegal"<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=1890-07-02 |title=CHAPTER 1-MONOPOLIES AND COMBINATIONS IN RESTRAINT OF TRADE |url=https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-1999-title15-section1&num=0&edition=1999 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=Office of the Law Revision Counsel - United States Code}}</ref>. In the filing the DOJ states that the United States brings action to "stop Agri Stats’ anticompetitive scheme and restore competition to heartland U.S. agriculture markets"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-28 |title=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA |url=https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-10/416782.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=Department of Justice}}</ref>. The complaint alleges that Agri Stats shared sensitive market information between competitors through subscription and business consultation services, which allowed processors to forecast competitors production and withhold output at beneficial times when it is was deemed profitable, potentially leading to higher than normal price increases. Additionally the DOJ states that Agri Stats shared sensitive wage information, farmer pay, and "other compensation metrics"<ref name=":0" />. On May 28, 2024 a Motion to Transfer and a Motion to Dismiss were filed with the District of Minnesota, both of which were dismissed<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-28 |title=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA |url=https://www.justice.gov/atr/media/1359226/dl?inline |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=Department of Justice |pages=5, 14}}</ref>.

On Monday May 4, 2026, U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche lead a news conference where White House adviser Peter Navarro expressed that the "U.S. Department of Justice plans to settle its case against data company Agri Stats with an agreement officials hope will help drive down food ‌costs"<ref>{{Cite news |last=Godoy |first=Jody |date=2026-05-04 |title=DOJ plans to settle Agri Stats case, White House official says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/doj-taking-aim-food-prices-acting-ag-says-2026-05-04/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=Reuters}}</ref>.

Agri Stats published a [https://www.agristats.com/doj-lawsuit-against-agri-stats-is-wrong-on-the-law-and-bad-for-consumers/ news article] on September 28, 2023 in response to the DOJ accusations, where they discuss the claim that their business practices assist producers in reducing production cost.

==Products==
{{Ph-C-P}}The companies product description can be found [https://www.agristats.com/services/ here].

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

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Flock license plate readers

2026-05-06T04:03:05Z

Sojourna: /* External links */ Updated link.

{{ProductCargo
|Company=Flock Safety
|ProductLine=Flock Safety Falcon
|ReleaseYear=2017
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Cameras, Security, Surveillance
|Logo=Flock License plate readers (LPR).png
|Website=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers
|Description=AI-powered automated license plate reader (ALPR) system that creates "Vehicle Fingerprints" by recording license plates, vehicle characteristics, and movement patterns for law enforcement use without individual consent or warrants.
}}
'''Flock License Plate Readers''' (previously known as '''Flock Safety Falcon'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Falcon |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/devices/falcon |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/UjKM5 |archive-date=6 Dec 2024 |access-date=6 Dec 2024 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>), are a network of AI-powered surveillance cameras that record vehicle data for law enforcement agencies. The system operates in over 5,000 communities across 49 states in the U.S.A.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamid |first=Sarah |last2=Alajaji |first2=Rindala |date=27 Jun 2025 |title=Flock Safety's Feature Updates Cannot Make Automated License Plate Readers Safe |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250628052030/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |archive-date=28 Jun 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Electronic Frontier Foundation}}</ref> According to the company's own marketing materials, Flock performs over 20 billion vehicle scans monthly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/yDtD1 |archive-date=7 March 2026 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
====Freedom====
Residents and taxpayers have no mechanism to opt out of [[Flock Safety]]'s surveillance network. The cameras operate 24/7 in public spaces, recording all passing vehicles regardless of consent. They are also placed on private premises like universities, hospitals, businesses, and neighborhood associations, which often share this data with law enforcement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |date=19 Jun 2024 |title=FedEx's Secretive Police Force Is Helping Cops Build An AI Car Surveillance Network |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619112629/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |archive-date=19 Jun 2024 |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> This data can later be integrated into predictive police platforms like {{Wplink|Palantir Technologies|Palantir}}.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rettberg |first=Jill Walker |title=Machine Vision: How Algorithms are Changing the Way We See the World |date=11 Sep 2023 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons. |year=2023 |location=Google Books |pages=45-46 |language=English}}</ref>

Unlike traditional security cameras that may be avoided by choosing different routes, Flock's expanding network of over 100,000 cameras makes avoidance increasingly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eyes On Flock |url=https://eyesonflock.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008230140/https://eyesonflock.com/ |archive-date=2025-10-08 |access-date=9 Dec 2025 |work=Eyes On Flock}}</ref> The system uses AI to create ''"Vehicle [[Device fingerprint|Fingerprints]]"'' that identify vehicles by characteristics beyond license plates, including make, model, color, aftermarket parts, window stickers, and roof racks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |date=23 Jul 2025 |title=Surveillance Company Flock Now Using AI to Report Us to Police if it Thinks Our Movement Patterns Are "Suspicious" |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/surveillance-company-flock-now-using-ai-to-report-us-to-police-if-it-thinks-our-movement-patterns-are-suspicious |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814053755/https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/surveillance-company-flock-now-using-ai-to-report-us-to-police-if-it-thinks-our-movement-patterns-are-suspicious |archive-date=14 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=American Civil Liberties Union}}</ref>

====Privacy====
While Flock Safety claims their system doesn't violate Fourth Amendment rights because ''"license plates are not personal information,"''<ref name="Flock-PE">{{Cite web |title=Privacy & Ethics |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/privacy-ethics |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/OP55p |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref> federal courts have challenged this interpretation. In February 2024, a federal judge ruled that a lawsuit challenging Norfolk, Virginia's use of 172 Flock cameras could proceed, finding that plaintiffs had plausibly alleged the system creates a ''"detailed chronicle of a person's physical presence compiled every day."''<ref name="norfolk">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Dan |date=6 Feb 2024 |title=Judge Rules Lawsuit Challenging Norfolk's Use of Flock Cameras Can Proceed |url=https://ij.org/press-release/judge-rules-lawsuit-challenging-norfolks-use-of-flock-cameras-can-proceed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250717001536/https://ij.org/press-release/judge-rules-lawsuit-challenging-norfolks-use-of-flock-cameras-can-proceed/ |archive-date=17 Jul 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Institute for Justice}}</ref>

Data collected includes location history that can reveal sensitive information about medical visits, religious attendance, political activities, and personal associations. While Flock states data is deleted after 30 days, contracts grant them ''"perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license"'' to use anonymized data indefinitely.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Terms and Conditions |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/terms-and-conditions |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://archive.ph/dGV0l |archive-date=9 June 2023 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref> The system shares data across a network of over 4,800 law enforcement agencies nationally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=2024 |title=Lawsuit Argues Warrantless Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Is Unconstitutional |url=https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826013458/https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=404 Media}}</ref>

====="Anonymized Data"=====
While Flock's Terms and Conditions define "Anonymized Data" as customer data that is ''"permanently stripped of identifying details and any potential personally identifiable information"'' and is rendered so that a person or entity ''"can no longer be identified directly or indirectly,"'' this definition includes information such as vehicle make, model, color, location patterns, and other non–license-plate attributes.<ref name=":1" />

Privacy researchers caution that mobility datasets labeled as "anonymized" can still be re-identified. A 2013 MIT study found that just four spatio-temporal points uniquely identified 95% of individuals in an anonymized location dataset.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=de Montjoye |first=Y.-A. |last2=Hidalgo |first2=C. A. |last3=Verleysen |first3=M. |last4=Blondel |first4=V. D. |year=2013 |title=Unique in the Crowd: The privacy bounds of human mobility |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/srep01376 |journal=Scientific Reports |volume=3 |pages=1376 |doi=10.1038/srep01376 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220062804/https://www.nature.com/articles/srep01376 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Multiple peer-reviewed studies from 2018-2024 demonstrate that "anonymized" vehicle location data can be re-identified with high accuracy. A 2022 study showed researchers could re-identify drivers from raw vehicle network data with 97% accuracy by exploiting inter-dependencies in sensor measurements.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167404822002139 |title=Privacy-preserving vehicle trajectory matching |website=ScienceDirect |date=2022 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240415115116/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167404822002139 |archive-date=15 Apr 2024}}</ref> Research published in the Journal of Computer Science and Technology (2022) found that even three to four location points can uniquely identify individuals.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sun |first=She |last2=Ma |first2=Shuai |last3=Song |first3=Jing-He |last4=Yue |first4=Wen-Hai |last5=Lin |first5=Xue-Lian |last6=Ma |first6=Tiejun |date=2022 |title=Experiments and Analyses of Anonymization Mechanisms for Trajectory Data Publishing |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |journal=Journal of Computer Science and Technology |doi=10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240804052830/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |archive-date=4 Aug 2024}}</ref>

====Business model====
Flock operates on a subscription model charging municipalities and law enforcement agencies $2,500 USD per camera annually plus installation costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://campbellca.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=279 |title=How much does a Flock Safety camera cost? |work=City of Campbell |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251001015154/https://campbellca.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=279 |archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref> Private businesses including Home Depot, Lowe's, and FedEx also deploy cameras, sharing data with law enforcement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.404media.co/home-depot-and-lowes-share-data-from-hundreds-of-ai-cameras-with-cops/ |title=Home Depot and Lowe's Share Data From Hundreds of AI Cameras With Cops |first=Jason |last=Koebler |date=6 Aug 2025 |work=404 Media |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823135847/https://www.404media.co/home-depot-and-lowes-share-data-from-hundreds-of-ai-cameras-with-cops/ |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Contracts include automatic renewal clauses and limit municipal oversight capabilities, with cities unable to audit system operations or control how other agencies use shared data.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aclu.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/flock_1.pdf |title=How to Pump the Brakes on Your Police Department's Use of Flock's Mass Surveillance License Plate Readers |work=American Civil Liberties Union |date=2024 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126201758/https://www.aclu.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/flock_1.pdf |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>

====Market control====
Flock Safety has rapidly expanded to become a dominant force in automated license plate recognition, operating in 49 states with over 40,000 cameras deployed. The company's network effect creates pressure for additional jurisdictions to join, as law enforcement effectiveness depends on network coverage. Several states have begun restricting access following privacy violations, with California, Illinois, and New York limiting data sharing after immigration and abortion-related tracking incidents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.michaelrcronin.com/post/flock-blocks-ice-from-license-plate-reader-access-in-several-states |title='Flock' Blocks ICE from License Plate Reader Access in Several States |work=Yes You Can Go |date=2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112062510/https://www.michaelrcronin.com/post/flock-blocks-ice-from-license-plate-reader-access-in-several-states |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Premise of a "license plate camera"===
While marketed as "license plate readers,"' Flock cameras use what the company calls "Vehicle Fingerprint" technology which tracks vehicles using characteristics beyond just license plates. The system catalogs vehicles based on numerous distinguishing features including make, model, color, bumper stickers, dents, damage patterns, roof racks, aftermarket modifications such as wheels or spoilers, window stickers, and even mismatching paint colors.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date= |title=LPR Cameras |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/YWYB6 |archive-date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Oct 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>. According to Flock's own marketing materials, the system can identify vehicles even when license plates cannot be captured, advertised as turning "images into actionable evidence — no plate required."<ref>{{Cite web |title=License Plate Readers |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/YWYB6 |archive-date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>

Flock claims this capability is ''"unique among ALPR systems"'' and allows law enforcement to search for vehicles based on these characteristics even without a visible license plate.

This technology changes the nature of the surveillance from license plate reading to comprehensive vehicle tracking. A person could still be tracked by the unique combination of their vehicle's physical characteristics. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns that these ''"vehicle fingerprints"'' could flag vehicles based on political bumper stickers, revealing ''"information on the political or social views of the driver,"'' or economic indicators like rust or damage, potentially "endangering anyone who might not feel the need (or have the income required) to keep their car in perfect shape."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-14 |title=Things to Know Before Your Neighborhood Installs an Automated License Plate Reader |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/09/flock-license-plate-reader-homeowners-association-safe-problems |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Electronic Frontier Foundation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221033709/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/09/flock-license-plate-reader-homeowners-association-safe-problems |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Privacy advocates note that this expanded tracking capability makes the term ''"license plate reader"'' misleading, as Flock systems create detailed vehicle profiles that persist even without readable plates. It turns any distinguishing feature of a vehicle into a tracking identifier.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stop Flock |url=https://www.stopflock.com/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Stop Flock |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251222060644/https://stopflock.com/ |archive-date=22 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Patent for person identification by race and physical characteristics==
A U.S. Patent granted to Flock Group Inc. in August 2022 reveals the company has developed and patented technology to identify and classify people based on race, gender, and other physical characteristics.<ref name="patent11416545">{{Cite web |url=https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/77/9a/03/7b3b26499077d4/US11416545.pdf |title=System and Method for Object Based Query of Video Content Captured by a Dynamic Surveillance Network |website=United States Patent and Trademark Office |date=16 Aug 2022 |access-date=21 Jan 2025 |format=PDF |first1=Garrett |last1=Langley |first2=Matt |last2=Feury  |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202115638/https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/77/9a/03/7b3b26499077d4/US11416545.pdf |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref> Patent US 11,416,545 B1 describes a system that goes beyond vehicle identification to analyze human subjects captured in surveillance footage.

According to the patent documentation, when the system identifies a human being in captured footage, it uses neural network modules specifically configured to classify people by "male, female, race, etc." The patent further describes using additional neural networks to identify clothing types, estimate height and weight, and other physical characteristics of individuals.<ref name="patent11416545" /> The system can then store this classification data in searchable databases, allowing law enforcement to query for people based on these physical attributes.

The patent shows that Flock's technology is designed to create comprehensive profiles that can track individuals across multiple camera locations by matching physical characteristics. While Flock publicly markets its products as ''"license plate readers"'' focused on vehicles, this patent demonstrates the company has developed capabilities for detailed human surveillance and classification by protected characteristics including race and gender.<ref name="patent11416545" />

Privacy and civil-liberties advocates have warned that biometric/appearance-based identification and classification—especially along race and gender lines—can enable discriminatory policing and amplify harms from demographic bias and misidentification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How is Face Recognition Surveillance Technology Racist? |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=2020-06-16 |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/how-is-face-recognition-surveillance-technology-racist |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045330/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/how-is-face-recognition-surveillance-technology-racist |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NIST Study Evaluates Effects of Race, Age, Sex on Face Recognition Software |website=National Institute of Standards and Technology |date=2019-12-19 |url=https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/12/nist-study-evaluates-effects-race-age-sex-face-recognition-software |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213231602/https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/12/nist-study-evaluates-effects-race-age-sex-face-recognition-software |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref> In that context, the Flock Group patent’s explicit discussion of classifying people by attributes including “race” and “male/female” suggests capabilities that extend beyond vehicle identification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US11416545B1 - System and method for object based query of video content captured by a dynamic surveillance network |website=Google Patents |date=2022-08-16 |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US11416545B1 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204132539/https://patents.google.com/patent/US11416545B1 |archive-date=4 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Legal challenges==

===Washington state judge declares Flock footage as public records ''(6 Nov 2025)''===
An Oregon resident filed public records requests at various police departments in the state of Washington regarding information collected from Flock cameras. The cities of Stanwood and Sedro-Woolley filed a motion to reject the resident's request, with their attorney stating that publicizing Flock footage may be a violation of privacy that could lead to stalking.

Some exemptions are given to deny public records request, particularly due to investigations. However, the judge dismissed the motion, declaring that the camera footage was "so broad and indiscriminate" with no distinction between criminal activity and casual civilian activity that the data had to be released to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingalls |first=Chris |date=6 Nov 2025 |title=Judge orders police to release surveillance camera data, raising privacy questions |url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/investigators/judge-orders-washington-police-release-surveillance-camera-data-privacy-questions/281-c2037d52-6afb-4bf7-95ad-0eceaf477864 |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |website=KING5 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251110233248/https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/investigators/judge-orders-washington-police-release-surveillance-camera-data-privacy-questions/281-c2037d52-6afb-4bf7-95ad-0eceaf477864 |archive-date=10 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Jenna |date=6 Nov 2025 |title=Judge denies request to exempt Flock footage from Public Records Act |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/judge-denies-request-to-exempt-flock-footage-from-public-records-act/ |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |website=Herald Net |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226145253/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/judge-denies-request-to-exempt-flock-footage-from-public-records-act/ |archive-date=26 Dec 2025}}</ref>

The judge stated:<ref name=":5" /><blockquote>“I do think that the information at stake does have serious privacy implications, but that’s not the analysis for the intelligence information exemption,” she said. “You also have to make a finding that this is specific intelligence information that is compiled by investigative or law enforcement agencies, and the information that’s being compiled here does not relate to a specific case or investigation. The public already knows that these cameras exist and are operated. Many of them are in sight. The information does not disclose particular methods or procedures for gathering or evaluating intelligence information.” </blockquote>

===Norfolk federal lawsuit ''(February 2025)''===
In February 2025, Chief Judge Mark S. Davis of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia denied Norfolk's motion to dismiss a landmark Fourth Amendment lawsuit. The case involves two residents whose vehicles were tracked 526 times in 4.5 months and 849 times over the same period, figures revealed in a September 2025 court filing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399|title=Virginia police used Flock cameras to track driver 526 times in 4 months, lawsuit says|work=NBC News|date=2025-09-18|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002237/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Norfolk installed 172 Flock Safety cameras in 2023 at a cost of $430,000-$516,000 annually. Police Chief Mark Talbot stated the goal was making it ''"difficult to drive anywhere of any distance without running into a camera somewhere."''<ref name="norfolk" />

Judge Davis's ruling relied on ''Carpenter v. United States'', the 2018 Supreme Court decision requiring warrants for historical cell phone location data. The court found Norfolk's ALPR network "notably similar" to the surveillance the Supreme Court deemed unconstitutional. However, courts remain divided. In November 2024, Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne in the same district denied a motion to suppress Flock evidence, holding that three vehicle snapshots don't constitute "persistent surveillance" requiring a warrant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://valawyersweekly.com/2024/11/11/mosaic-theory-rejected-flock-camera-evidence-does-not-violate-fourth-amendment/|title='Mosaic theory' rejected: Flock camera evidence does not violate Fourth Amendment|website=Virginia Lawyers Weekly|date=2024-11-11|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208113511/https://valawyersweekly.com/2024/11/11/mosaic-theory-rejected-flock-camera-evidence-does-not-violate-fourth-amendment/ |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Virginia state courts show similar disagreement. Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Jamilah LeCruise granted a suppression motion in May 2024, finding that the breadth of Flock cameras covering Norfolk requires a warrant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/virginia-judge-rejects-alpr-evidence-without-warrant|title=Virginia Judge Rejects ALPR Evidence Without Warrant|website=Government Technology|date=2024-05-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213050025/https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/virginia-judge-rejects-alpr-evidence-without-warrant |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> Yet three other Norfolk circuit court judges denied similar motions in 2024.

===State regulatory landscape===
Only 16 states have enacted any form of ALPR regulation as of 2024 according to University of Michigan research.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse|title=Automated License Plate Readers widely used, subject to abuse|website=University of Michigan|date=2023|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112852/https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> Virginia enacted House Bill 2724 in 2025 creating annual reporting requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vscc.virginia.gov/Annual%20Reports/2024%20VSCC%20Annual%20Report%20-Law%20Enforcement%20Use%20of%20ALPR.pdf|title=2024 VSCC Annual Report - Law Enforcement Use of ALPR|website=Virginia State Crime Commission|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207225650/https://vscc.virginia.gov/Annual%20Reports/2024%20VSCC%20Annual%20Report%20-Law%20Enforcement%20Use%20of%20ALPR.pdf |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref> Illinois Public Act 103-0540 explicitly prohibits use for reproductive healthcare punishment and immigration investigations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/103/103-0540.htm|title=Public Act 103-0540|website=Illinois General Assembly|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250223092503/https://ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/103/103-0540.htm |archive-date=23 Feb 2025}}</ref>

Illinois prohibits law enforcement agencies from sharing ALPR data with other jurisdictions in relation to a person's immigration status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Act 103-0540 |url=https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/103/PDF/103-0540.pdf |url-status=usurped |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Illinois General Assembly |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251031232338/https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/103/PDF/103-0540.pdf |archive-date=31 Oct 2025}}</ref> New Hampshire requires a three-minute purge of data from ALPR use with the exception of ongoing investigations. <ref>{{Cite web |title=261:75-b Use of Number Plate Scanning Devices Regulated. |url=https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/title-xxi/chapter-261/section-261-75-b/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=New Hampshire General Court}}</ref>

California’s SB 34 requires public agencies using ALPR systems to implement usage and privacy policies as well as limits to data sharing. <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB34 |title=SB-34 Automated license plate recognition systems: use of data |work=California Legislative Information |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251220181318/https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB34 |archive-date=20 Dec 2025}}</ref> However, enforcement remains inconsistent, with a 2020 state audit finding widespread non-compliance.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/index.html |title=Automated License Plate Readers |work=California State Auditor |date=13 Feb 2020 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230930215217/https://auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/index.html |archive-date=30 Sep 2023}}</ref>

==Notable incidents==

====Illinois audit findings (2024-2025)====
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced in late August 2024 that Flock Safety violated state law by allowing U.S. Customs and Border Protection to access Illinois license plate data for immigration enforcement.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-08-25 |title=Flock Safety's Response to Illinois LPR Data Use and Out-of-State Sharing Concerns |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safetys-response-to-illinois-lpr-data-use-and-out-of-state-sharing-concerns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/XNzcS |archive-date=5 May 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Flock Safety}}</ref> The audit of 12 local law enforcement agencies revealed unauthorized pilot programs with CBP and Homeland Security Investigations, violating Illinois law prohibiting data sharing for immigration enforcement, gender-affirming care investigations, and abortion-related matters. Following the audit, 47 out-of-state agencies were removed from access to Illinois data.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/flock-pledges-changes-after-illinois-data-sharing-accusation|title=Flock Pledges Changes After Illinois Data-Sharing Accusation|website=Government Technology|date=2024-08-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002252/https://www.govtech.com/biz/flock-pledges-changes-after-illinois-data-sharing-accusation |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Mount Prospect, Illinois reported 262 immigration-related license plate reader searches in just the first few months of 2025. A Palos Heights detective shared Flock login credentials with a DEA agent who conducted 28 unauthorized searches of Oak Park ALPR data explicitly labeled "immigration violation."<ref name="dea">{{Cite web|url=https://unraveledpress.com/a-dea-agent-used-an-illinois-police-officers-flock-license-plate-reader-password-for-unauthorized-immigration-enforcement-searches/|title=DEA agent used Illinois cop's Flock license plate reader password for immigration enforcement searches|work=Unraveled Press|date=2025|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115628/https://unraveledpress.com/a-dea-agent-used-an-illinois-police-officers-flock-license-plate-reader-password-for-unauthorized-immigration-enforcement-searches/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref>

====California violations (2015-2025)====
California passed Senate Bill 34<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_201520160sb34|title=Senate Bill 34|access-date=2025-08-27 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114051856/https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_201520160sb34 |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref> in 2015 to limit how California police departments can use and share data collected from these cameras with other state's and federal law enforcement agencies. These limits have been found to be violated on several occasions with little enforcement or consequences for the misusing departments<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/23/california-police-sharing-flock-license-plate-data/|access-date=2025-08-27|title=California cops are breaking surveillance laws|website=San Francisco Standard|date=2025-07-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118202113/https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/23/california-police-sharing-flock-license-plate-data/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref>.

A 2023 EFF investigation found 71 California police agencies in 22 counties illegally shared data with out-of-state law enforcement. San Francisco Police Department alone allowed 1.6 million illegal searches by out-of-state agencies from 2024-2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/08/sfpd-flock-alpr-ice-data-sharing/|title=SFPD let Georgia, Texas cops illegally search city surveillance data on behalf of ICE|website=San Francisco Standard|date=2025-09-08|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118202113/https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/08/sfpd-flock-alpr-ice-data-sharing/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref> The California Attorney General filed the first enforcement action against the City of El Cajon in 2025 for sharing with 26 states.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-el-cajon-illegally-sharing-license-plate-data-out|title=Attorney General Bonta Sues El Cajon for Illegally Sharing License Plate Data|website=California DOJ|date=2025|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219035817/https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-el-cajon-illegally-sharing-license-plate-data-out |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===False positive incidents===

====Families detained at gunpoint====
In Española, New Mexico, 21-year-old Jaclynn Gonzales and her 12-year-old sister were held at gunpoint and handcuffed after Flock's system mistook a "2" for a "7" on their license plate, falsely flagging their vehicle as stolen.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-28 |title=License plate cover leads to traffic stop mishap |url=https://www.koat.com/article/espanola-police-license-plate-stolen-cover-traffic-stop/45361740|website=KOAT|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203063901/https://www.koat.com/article/espanola-police-license-plate-stolen-cover-traffic-stop/45361740 |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Flock Safety: Eroding Your Privacy & Keeping You Safe with Surveillance |url=https://redact.dev/blog/flock-safety-lpr-privacy-surveillance/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Redact |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045516/https://redact.dev/blog/flock-safety-lpr-privacy-surveillance/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

ALPR systems often misread license plates according to multiple investigations, leading to hardship & legal trouble for innocent civilians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/11/human-toll-alpr-errors|title=The Human Toll of ALPR Errors|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|date=2024-11-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217071819/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/11/human-toll-alpr-errors |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>

===Law enforcement stalking incidents===

In October 2022, Kechi, Kansas Police Lieutenant Victor Heiar was arrested and later pleaded guilty to computer crimes and stalking after using Flock cameras to track his estranged wife's movements over four months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/|title=Kechi police lieutenant arrested for using police technology to stalk wife|work=KWCH|date=2022-10-31|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216093439/https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> In a separate Kansas incident, Sedgwick Police Chief Lee Nygaard accessed Flock data 164 times to track his ex-girlfriend before resigning after admitting to the misuse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html|title=Kansas police chief used Flock license plate cameras 164 times to track ex-girlfriend|work=Yahoo News|date=2025|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124143444/https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Multiple other documented cases include Las Vegas Metro Officer Christopher Young arrested in December 2023 for stalking his ex-fiancée using police databases, and Riverside County Deputy Eric Piscatella pleading guilty in February 2024 to seven counts of misusing sheriff's department databases to stalk a woman he met at Coachella.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/?outputType=amp|title=Las Vegas police officer arrested for reportedly stalking ex-fiancée|website=FOX5 Vegas|date=2024-02-16|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213030246/https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/?outputType=amp |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Abortion and reproductive healthcare tracking===
In May 2025, Johnson County, Texas sheriff's deputies used Flock's network to track a woman suspected of self-managing an abortion. They conducted searches across 83,000+ Flock cameras nationwide with the explicit reason: "had an abortion, search for female." The search accessed cameras across multiple states including those where abortion is legal. The incident led Illinois officials to investigate and subsequently block 47+ out-of-state agencies from accessing Illinois ALPR data.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2025/06/13/after-finding-fetal-remains-north-texas-cops-used-camera-network-to-search-for-woman/|title=After finding fetal remains, North Texas cops used camera network to search for woman|work=The Dallas Morning News|date=2025-06-13|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045557/https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2025/06/13/after-finding-fetal-remains-north-texas-cops-used-camera-network-to-search-for-woman/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/05/she-got-abortion-so-texas-cop-used-83000-cameras-track-her-down|title=She Got an Abortion. So A Texas Cop Used 83,000 Cameras to Track Her Down|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|date=2025-05-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260125222243/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/05/she-got-abortion-so-texas-cop-used-83000-cameras-track-her-down |archive-date=25 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Investigations and court records show that some law enforcement officers have misused Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems for personal, non-investigative purposes, including stalking romantic partners or monitoring civilians. These incidents highlight weaknesses & lack of internal oversight, & the reliance on post-hoc audits rather than real-time safeguards.

In Menasha, Wisconsin, police officer Cristian Morales was charged in January 2026 with misconduct in office after allegedly using the department’s Flock ALPR system to track his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors alleged Morales conducted five unauthorized searches of his ex-partner’s vehicle in October 2025. According to the criminal complaint, Morales admitted he knew the searches were improper and cited “desperation and bad judgment.” He was placed on administrative leave, prohibited from accessing Flock systems, and released on a $10,000 cash bond pending further proceedings. Court records also show a related civil filing seeking a temporary restraining order in a domestic abuse case.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kerhin |first=Brian |date=2026-01-09 |title=Menasha police officer accused of using license plate recognition system to track his ex |url=https://fox11online.com/news/crime/menasha-police-officer-accused-of-using-license-plate-recognition-system-to-track-his-ex |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/V8GGF |archive-date=13 January 2026 |work=FOX 11 News}}</ref>

The Menasha case matches what is becoming a national pattern. In Kansas, Kechi Police Lieutenant Victor Heiar pleaded guilty in 2022 to computer crimes & stalking after using Flock cameras to monitor his estranged wife’s movements over several months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Joe |date=2022-10-31 |title=Kechi police lieutenant arrested for using police technology to stalk wife |url=https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216093439/https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |work=KWCH}}</ref> In another Kansas incident, Sedgwick Police Chief Lee Nygaard admitted in 2025 to accessing Flock ALPR data more than 160 times to track his ex-girlfriend and her new partner, resulting in his resignation and loss of police certification.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stavola |first=Michael |date=August 17, 2024 |title=Kansas police chief used Flock license plate cameras to track ex-girlfriend |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124143444/https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-date=24 Jan 2026 |work=Yahoo News}}</ref>

More cases involving other surveillance systems show a similar misuse. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer Christopher Young was arrested in 2023 for stalking his ex-fiancée using police databases, and in California, Riverside County deputy Eric Piscatella pleaded guilty in 2024 to multiple counts of misusing sheriff’s department databases to stalk a woman he met while off duty.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCandless |first=C.C. |date=2024-02-16 |title=Las Vegas police officer arrested for reportedly stalking ex-fiancée |url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240907035401/https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2024 |work=FOX5 Vegas}}</ref>

Oversight reviews & civil liberties organizations have noted that ALPR systems enable quick searches of historical vehicle location data across wide geographic areas. This reduces practical barriers to stalking & increases the risk of abuse by authorized users. While Flock & participating agencies rely on usage policies & access logs, many cases show misuse was detected only after complaints or later audits rather than through proactive safeguards.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Automated License Plate Readers widely used, subject to abuse |url=https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112852/https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-date=5 Feb 2026 |work=University of Michigan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=Nikki |date=April 16, 2024 |title=ALPR Audit Takeaways: What We Learned About Policy Gaps |url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002217/https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-date=26 Dec 2025 |work=Government Technology}}</ref>

===Federal agency access===
Immigration and Customs Enforcement maintains a $6.1 million contract giving 9,000+ ICE officers access to the Vigilant Solutions ALPR database containing over 5 billion location data points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/documents-reveal-ice-using-driver-location-data|title=Documents Reveal ICE Using Driver Location Data From Local Police for Deportations|website=ACLU|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220150454/https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/documents-reveal-ice-using-driver-location-data |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> The Drug Enforcement Administration operates a National License Plate Reader Program with over 10,000 license plate readers shared throughout the United States. 404 Media revealed over 4,000 searches by local and state police for federal immigration enforcement purposes, despite Flock having no formal ICE contract.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |date=2025 |title=ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |url-access=registration |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=404 Media}}</ref> A DEA agent was found using an Illinois police officer's credentials to conduct unauthorized immigration searches.<ref name="dea" />

===Illegal Camera Installations===
In South Carolina, Flock installed over 200 cameras without authorization, leading to a statewide moratorium on new installations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferrara |first=David |date=2024-03-11 |title=A company installed license plate cameras without permission. SC agency wants clear rules |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/news/alpr-cameras-south-carolina-flock-safety-license-plate-readers/article_787a262a-dbd2-11ee-a901-634acead588b.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=The Post and Courier |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212144432/https://www.postandcourier.com/news/alpr-cameras-south-carolina-flock-safety-license-plate-readers/article_787a262a-dbd2-11ee-a901-634acead588b.html |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

In Illinois, a Flock representative allegedly threatened a Department of Transportation official with police pressure when questioned about permit applications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uprise RI Staff |date=2024-10-23 |title=As Flock Surveillance Cameras Proliferate in Rhode Island, Lawsuit Challenges Their Legality |url=https://upriseri.com/as-flock-surveillance-cameras-proliferate-in-rhode-island-lawsuit-challenges-their-legality/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=UPRISE RI |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241101064737/https://upriseri.com/as-flock-surveillance-cameras-proliferate-in-rhode-island-lawsuit-challenges-their-legality/ |archive-date=1 Nov 2024}}</ref>

=====Evanston, IL=====
Flock was ordered to remove 18 stationary cameras. The city put the contract with Flock on a 30-day termination notice on August 26. Flock Initially appeared to comply, removing 15 of the cameras by September 8. Later, Flock was caught reinstalling all of them by the following Tuesday without authorization from the city. The city of Evanston responded with a cease-and-desist order for Flock to remove the new and unauthorized camera equipment. Because Flock reinstalled the cameras without permission, Evanston was forced to cover the cameras with tape and bags to block them from potentially logging vehicle data.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Alex |date=2025-09-25 |title=City covers Flock cameras while waiting for removal |url=https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/09/25/city-covers-up-flock-cameras-while-waiting-for-removal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002233/https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/09/25/city-covers-up-flock-cameras-while-waiting-for-removal/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-10-10 |website=Evanston Roundtable}}</ref>

===City rejections and terminations===

Multiple cities have rejected or terminated Flock contracts following privacy concerns and effectiveness issues:

'''0.2% effectiveness rate, low arrests:''' Austin, Texas terminated its contract in July 2025 after an audit revealed "systematic compliance failures" and only 165 arrests from 113 million license plate scans (0.146% effectiveness rate).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/flock-ceo-responds-to-austin-backlash-as-city-contract-nears-expiration|title=Flock CEO responds to Austin backlash as city contract nears expiration|work=CBS Austin|date=2025-06-21|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216120645/https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/flock-ceo-responds-to-austin-backlash-as-city-contract-nears-expiration |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Denver City Council unanimously rejected a $666,000 contract extension in May 2025 following revelations of 1,400+ ICE-related searches in Colorado data.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zialcita |first=Paolo |last2=Harris |first2=Kyle |date=2025-05-05 |title=Denver rejects $666,000 extension for license-plate surveillance cameras after backlash |url=https://denverite.com/2025/05/05/denver-rejects-flock-camera-license-plate-readers/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216120658/https://denverite.com/2025/05/05/denver-rejects-flock-camera-license-plate-readers/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Denverite}}</ref>

San Marcos, Texas voted 5-2 to deny camera expansion after discovering no required audits had been conducted since 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Velez |first=Abigail |date=2025-06-04 |title=San Marcos City Council votes to deny flock camera expansion after hours of heated debate |url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/san-marcos-city-council-votes-to-deny-flock-camera-expansion-after-hours-of-heated-debate |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=CBS Austin |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251122133613/https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/san-marcos-city-council-votes-to-deny-flock-camera-expansion-after-hours-of-heated-debate |archive-date=22 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Oak Park, Illinois terminated their contract entirely following the Illinois investigation into illegal data sharing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heffernan |first=Brendan |date=2025-08-07 |title=Oak Park terminates Flock license plate reader contract |url=https://www.oakpark.com/2025/08/07/oak-park-terminates-flock-license-plate-reader-contract/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115622/https://www.oakpark.com/2025/08/07/oak-park-terminates-flock-license-plate-reader-contract/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Wednesday Journal}}</ref>

===Arizona deployments===
Sedona, Arizona became the first Arizona city to completely terminate its Flock Safety contract in September 2025 after citizen backlash. The city had installed 11 cameras in June 2025 without prior public notice at a cost of $51,146 for the first year. The council voted 5-1 to pause the program, then unanimously 7-0 on September 9 to permanently terminate after Flock CEO Garrett Langley admitted the company had been sharing data with federal agencies. Vice Mayor Holli Ploog called Flock "not an honorable company" for the conflicting data-sharing claims.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/sedona-pulls-the-plug-on-flock-safety|title=Sedona Pulls the Plug on Flock Safety|website=West Valley Families|date=2025-09-10|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209130335/https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/sedona-pulls-the-plug-on-flock-safety |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Skabelund |first=Adrian |date=2025-09-11 |title=Sedona council permanently ends license plate camera program |url=https://www.knau.org/knau-and-arizona-news/2025-09-11/sedona-council-permanently-ends-license-plate-camera-program |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212215752/https://www.knau.org/knau-and-arizona-news/2025-09-11/sedona-council-permanently-ends-license-plate-camera-program |archive-date=12 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=KNAU}}</ref>

Flagstaff deployed 32 Flock cameras in summer 2024 at a cost of $143,100 annually. By September 2025, a petition signed by 25+ residents demanded cancellation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Marizco |first=Michel |date=2025-09-01 |title=After Sedona paused Flock Safety camera system, Flagstaff is considering the same issue |url=https://www.kjzz.org/fronteras-desk/2025-09-01/after-sedona-paused-flock-safety-camera-system-flagstaff-is-considering-the-same-issue |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045803/https://www.kjzz.org/fronteras-desk/2025-09-01/after-sedona-paused-flock-safety-camera-system-flagstaff-is-considering-the-same-issue |archive-date=23 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=KJZZ}}</ref>

University of Arizona contracted with Flock in February 2025 for 54 ALPR cameras at $160,000 annually. Students and faculty launched a "Deflock Tucson" campaign citing concerns about tracking international students and potential data sharing with federal immigration authorities.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kunichoff |first=Yana |date=2025-09-15 |title=UA students and faculty question use of Flock Safety cameras on campus |url=https://azluminaria.org/2025/09/15/ua-students-and-faculty-question-use-of-flock-safety-cameras-on-campus/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002242/https://azluminaria.org/2025/09/15/ua-students-and-faculty-question-use-of-flock-safety-cameras-on-campus/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=AZ Luminaria}}</ref>

Casa Grande approved a $10 million "Safe City Initiative" in September 2025 including 100 license plate readers. Chief Mark McCrory reported the current 22 license plate readers led to 212 stolen vehicles identified and 168 arrests.<ref>{{cite web |last=Iverson |first=David |date=2025 |title=We mapped the city's Flock cameras |url=https://www.inmaricopa.com/we-mapped-all-flock-cameras/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002923/https://inmaricopa.com/we-mapped-all-flock-cameras/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=InMaricopa}}</ref>

Despite documented deployments across Arizona including Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Surprise, Youngtown, Litchfield Park, and Yuma, the state has no ALPR-specific regulation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grauer |first=Yael |date=2019-07-08 |title=How do automated license plate readers work? |url=https://azmirror.com/2019/07/08/how-do-automated-license-plate-readers-work/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114035603/https://azmirror.com/2019/07/08/how-do-automated-license-plate-readers-work/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Arizona Mirror}}</ref>

==Security vulnerabilities==
In 2025, Flock Safety reported security vulnerabilities in its devices and submitted them to MITRE for inclusion in the National Vulnerability Database, including issues such as hard-coded credentials and improper access controls.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-05 |title=Gunshot Detection and License Plate Reader Security Alert |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/gunshot-detection-and-license-plate-reader-security-alert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/2DEQv |archive-date=5 May 2026 |website=Flock Safety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-02 |title=CVE-2025-59403 : The Flock Safety Android Collins application (aka com.flocksafety.android.collin |url=https://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2025-59403/ |website=CVEdetails.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207014907/https://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2025-59403/ |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref> Similar security concerns have affected other ALPR systems, including exposure of default passwords and unencrypted data storage.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Quintin |first=Cooper |date=28 Oct 2015 |title=License Plate Readers Exposed! How Public Safety Agencies Responded to Major Vulnerabilities in Vehicle Surveillance Tech |url=https://www.eff.org/ur/deeplinks/2015/10/license-plate-readers-exposed-how-public-safety-agencies-responded-massive |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210130106/https://www.eff.org/ur/deeplinks/2015/10/license-plate-readers-exposed-how-public-safety-agencies-responded-massive |archive-date=10 Dec 2025}}</ref>

This represents one of several major security disclosures in the past decade. In 2015, the Electronic Frontier Foundation documented more than 100 ALPR cameras accessible on the open internet, often without passwords or proper configuration.<ref name=":4" /> A more serious documented breach occurred in 2019, when Perceptics, LLC, a subcontractor for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, exposed approximately 105,000 license plate images and 184,000 traveler facial images.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Review of CBP's Major Cybersecurity Incident During a 2019 Biometric Pilot |url=https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2020-09/OIG-20-71-Sep20.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121195004/https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2020-09/OIG-20-71-Sep20.pdf |archive-date=21 Jan 2026}}</ref>

In 2025 it has been discovered that the cameras run [[wikipedia:Android_Oreo|Android 8.0 (Oreo)]] an operating system with 90 security vulnerabilities. The cameras also send data unencrypted and are easily tricked by stingrays. The compute boxes have easily accessible USB-c ports leaving the device vulnerable to rubber duckies. When the power button is pressed in a specific order the device emits a Wi-Fi hotspot that can be used to gain [[wikipedia:Android_Debug_Bridge|ADB]] access.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benn |first=Jordan |date=2025-11-16 |title=We Hacked Flock Safety Cameras in under 30 Seconds. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0gr7Fh6lY |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=uB0gr7Fh6lY |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Government accountability and oversight==

===State audit findings===
California State Auditor's February 2020 investigation found the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), with a 320 million image database, had no ALPR-specific policy at all. The audit found 96% of agencies claim to have policies, but most are incomplete. Data retention periods varied wildly with no justification. LAPD maintained a minimum five-year retention period, yet couldn't demonstrate that images stored for years had investigative value. The audit found that 99.9% of the 320 million images Los Angeles stores are for vehicles that were not on a "hot list" when the image was made.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://information.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/summary.html |title=Automated License Plate Readers |website=California State Auditor |date=13 Feb 2020 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113154443/https://information.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/summary.html |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref>

New Jersey provides a contrasting model with mandatory annual audits of all 523 law enforcement agencies. The 2024 audit reported only two significant violations, both involving users who hadn't completed required training.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=2024 Audit of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Data |url=https://nj.gov/njsp/ALPR/pdf/2024_Audit_Automated_License_Plate_Recognition_(ALPR)_Data_Collected_Utilized_NJ_Law_Enforcement_Agencies.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207224414/https://nj.gov/njsp/ALPR/pdf/2024_Audit_Automated_License_Plate_Recognition_(ALPR)_Data_Collected_Utilized_NJ_Law_Enforcement_Agencies.pdf |archive-date=7 Dec 2025 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |website=New Jersey State Police |format=PDF}}</ref>

A Government Technology analysis found that agencies often fail to audit ALPR systems regularly, leaving them "open to abuse by neglecting to institute sufficient oversight."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Nikki |date=2024 |title=ALPR Audit Takeaways: What We Learned About Policy Gaps |url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002217/https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-date=26 Dec 2025 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |website=Government Technology}}</ref>

===Cost-benefit analysis===
Arizona Department of Transportation's 2008 study of generic ALPR technology (predating Flock Safety by nine years) estimated $9.98 million for a hypothetical statewide ALPR system. The projected benefit-to-cost ratio of 9.6:1 came entirely from registration and insurance compliance, not crime reduction.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/PDF/AZ637.pdf |title=Automated License Plate Recognition Technology Implementation Report |website=Arizona Department of Transportation |date=1 Jun 2008 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208050300/https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/pdf/az637.pdf |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Colorado's Office of Research and Statistics reported that while ALPR systems are expanding, independent academic research contradicts vendor claims. A 2011 George Mason University study concluded ALPRs "do not achieve a prevention or deterrent effect" on crime.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/Docs/Briefs/2024-05_InDetail-ALPR.pdf |title=Automated License Plate Readers (In Detail) |website=Colorado Division of Criminal Justice |date=1 May 2024 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212210653/https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/Docs/Briefs/2024-05_InDetail-ALPR.pdf |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Oakland Police Department reported 182 arrests from ALPR in the first year, representing 1.4% of homicides, robberies, burglaries, and firearm assaults. The Northern California Regional Intelligence Center states approximately 1-2 vehicles out of 1,000 initiate alerts — a hit rate of just 0.1-0.2%.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ncric.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/California-Law-Enforcement-ALPR-FAQ.pdf |title=California Law Enforcement ALPR FAQ |website=NCRIC |date=2021 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219214745/https://ncric.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/California-Law-Enforcement-ALPR-FAQ.pdf |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Mountain View Findings===

The Mountain View Police Department became aware in early January in 2026 during a department-initiated audit that for a brief period in 2024 federal agencies accessed data from the first camera in operation in the city.

“During the prior federal administration, from August to November 2024, several federal law enforcement agencies accessed Mountain View’s Flock Safety ALPR system for one camera via a 'nationwide' search setting that was turned on by Flock Safety. This setting was enabled without MVPD’s permission or knowledge. The federal agencies that accessed the one camera’s data include Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offices in Kentucky and Nashville, TN; Langley Air Force Base in Virginia; the U.S. GSA Office of Inspector General; Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada; and an Ohio Air Force Base. Flock Safety did not retain records for that time period, which means the vendor cannot determine whether searches of Mountain View’s data resulted in license plate information being shared.”<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-30 |title=City Statement {{!}} City News {{!}} Mountain View, CA |url=https://www.mountainview.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1203/284 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/CDZ2Y |archive-date=2026-02-07 |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=mountainview.gov}}</ref>

MVPD officers also uncovered that “statewide lookup” had been turned on for all the city’s cameras since the program began. This feature has been turned off by the department on January 5, 2026. The MVPD plans to present a review of the ALPR pilot program to the City Council.

On February 2, 2026 Mountain View Police Chief Mike Canfield announced that all of the city's license plate cameras are being disabled, effective immediately.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Margaretten |first=Emily |last2=Morgan |first2=Zoe |date=2026-01-30 |title=Mountain View discovers unauthorized access to license plate data |url=https://www.mv-voice.com/police/2026/01/30/amid-immigration-crackdown-mountain-view-discovers-unauthorized-access-to-license-plate-data/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222220813/https://www.mv-voice.com/police/2026/01/30/amid-immigration-crackdown-mountain-view-discovers-unauthorized-access-to-license-plate-data/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2026-02-07 |website=Mountain View Voice}}</ref>

==Camera locations==
The locations of many Flock Cameras have been mapped by the OpenStreetMap project. A viewer of the locations of these cameras is located here: [https://deflock.me/map ALPR Map | DeFlock]

====Cease and desist to DeFlock.me====
DeFlock.org (formerly DeFlock.me) is a website allowing users to log and view the locations of ALPRs, such as Flock products. On 30 January 2025, Flock sent a cease and desist notice to the owner of DeFlock demanding the name of the website be changed to exclude the company's brand name. The letter also stated that "the Website also implies that various license plate readers are vulnerable to security hacks [...]" which Flock alleged "[...] provides a false impression about the security of Flock Products."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matz |first=Sarah M. |title=2025 01 31 DEFLOCK CD final |url=https://www.eff.org/files/2025/02/26/2025_01_31_deflock_cd_ex-3.pdf |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=30 Jan 2025 |access-date=27 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251020035804/https://www.eff.org/files/2025/02/26/2025_01_31_deflock_cd_ex-3.pdf |archive-date=20 Oct 2025}}</ref>

==External links==
*[https://deflock.org/ DeFlock live map of active ALPRs]
*[https://www.noalprs.org/ No ALPRS movement in United States]
*[https://plateprivacy.com/ The Plate Privacy Project]
*[https://eyesonflock.com/ Eyes On Flock]
*[https://wiki.alprwatch.org/index.php/Main_Page ALPR Watch Wiki]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Automatic license plate readers]]
[[Category:Flock Safety]]

Flock license plate readers

2026-05-06T04:02:35Z

Sojourna: /* Cease and desist to DeFlock.me */ formally -> formerly

{{ProductCargo
|Company=Flock Safety
|ProductLine=Flock Safety Falcon
|ReleaseYear=2017
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Cameras, Security, Surveillance
|Logo=Flock License plate readers (LPR).png
|Website=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers
|Description=AI-powered automated license plate reader (ALPR) system that creates "Vehicle Fingerprints" by recording license plates, vehicle characteristics, and movement patterns for law enforcement use without individual consent or warrants.
}}
'''Flock License Plate Readers''' (previously known as '''Flock Safety Falcon'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Falcon |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/devices/falcon |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/UjKM5 |archive-date=6 Dec 2024 |access-date=6 Dec 2024 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>), are a network of AI-powered surveillance cameras that record vehicle data for law enforcement agencies. The system operates in over 5,000 communities across 49 states in the U.S.A.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamid |first=Sarah |last2=Alajaji |first2=Rindala |date=27 Jun 2025 |title=Flock Safety's Feature Updates Cannot Make Automated License Plate Readers Safe |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250628052030/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |archive-date=28 Jun 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Electronic Frontier Foundation}}</ref> According to the company's own marketing materials, Flock performs over 20 billion vehicle scans monthly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/yDtD1 |archive-date=7 March 2026 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
====Freedom====
Residents and taxpayers have no mechanism to opt out of [[Flock Safety]]'s surveillance network. The cameras operate 24/7 in public spaces, recording all passing vehicles regardless of consent. They are also placed on private premises like universities, hospitals, businesses, and neighborhood associations, which often share this data with law enforcement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |date=19 Jun 2024 |title=FedEx's Secretive Police Force Is Helping Cops Build An AI Car Surveillance Network |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619112629/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |archive-date=19 Jun 2024 |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> This data can later be integrated into predictive police platforms like {{Wplink|Palantir Technologies|Palantir}}.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rettberg |first=Jill Walker |title=Machine Vision: How Algorithms are Changing the Way We See the World |date=11 Sep 2023 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons. |year=2023 |location=Google Books |pages=45-46 |language=English}}</ref>

Unlike traditional security cameras that may be avoided by choosing different routes, Flock's expanding network of over 100,000 cameras makes avoidance increasingly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eyes On Flock |url=https://eyesonflock.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008230140/https://eyesonflock.com/ |archive-date=2025-10-08 |access-date=9 Dec 2025 |work=Eyes On Flock}}</ref> The system uses AI to create ''"Vehicle [[Device fingerprint|Fingerprints]]"'' that identify vehicles by characteristics beyond license plates, including make, model, color, aftermarket parts, window stickers, and roof racks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |date=23 Jul 2025 |title=Surveillance Company Flock Now Using AI to Report Us to Police if it Thinks Our Movement Patterns Are "Suspicious" |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/surveillance-company-flock-now-using-ai-to-report-us-to-police-if-it-thinks-our-movement-patterns-are-suspicious |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814053755/https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/surveillance-company-flock-now-using-ai-to-report-us-to-police-if-it-thinks-our-movement-patterns-are-suspicious |archive-date=14 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=American Civil Liberties Union}}</ref>

====Privacy====
While Flock Safety claims their system doesn't violate Fourth Amendment rights because ''"license plates are not personal information,"''<ref name="Flock-PE">{{Cite web |title=Privacy & Ethics |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/privacy-ethics |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/OP55p |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref> federal courts have challenged this interpretation. In February 2024, a federal judge ruled that a lawsuit challenging Norfolk, Virginia's use of 172 Flock cameras could proceed, finding that plaintiffs had plausibly alleged the system creates a ''"detailed chronicle of a person's physical presence compiled every day."''<ref name="norfolk">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Dan |date=6 Feb 2024 |title=Judge Rules Lawsuit Challenging Norfolk's Use of Flock Cameras Can Proceed |url=https://ij.org/press-release/judge-rules-lawsuit-challenging-norfolks-use-of-flock-cameras-can-proceed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250717001536/https://ij.org/press-release/judge-rules-lawsuit-challenging-norfolks-use-of-flock-cameras-can-proceed/ |archive-date=17 Jul 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Institute for Justice}}</ref>

Data collected includes location history that can reveal sensitive information about medical visits, religious attendance, political activities, and personal associations. While Flock states data is deleted after 30 days, contracts grant them ''"perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license"'' to use anonymized data indefinitely.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Terms and Conditions |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/terms-and-conditions |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://archive.ph/dGV0l |archive-date=9 June 2023 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref> The system shares data across a network of over 4,800 law enforcement agencies nationally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=2024 |title=Lawsuit Argues Warrantless Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Is Unconstitutional |url=https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826013458/https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=404 Media}}</ref>

====="Anonymized Data"=====
While Flock's Terms and Conditions define "Anonymized Data" as customer data that is ''"permanently stripped of identifying details and any potential personally identifiable information"'' and is rendered so that a person or entity ''"can no longer be identified directly or indirectly,"'' this definition includes information such as vehicle make, model, color, location patterns, and other non–license-plate attributes.<ref name=":1" />

Privacy researchers caution that mobility datasets labeled as "anonymized" can still be re-identified. A 2013 MIT study found that just four spatio-temporal points uniquely identified 95% of individuals in an anonymized location dataset.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=de Montjoye |first=Y.-A. |last2=Hidalgo |first2=C. A. |last3=Verleysen |first3=M. |last4=Blondel |first4=V. D. |year=2013 |title=Unique in the Crowd: The privacy bounds of human mobility |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/srep01376 |journal=Scientific Reports |volume=3 |pages=1376 |doi=10.1038/srep01376 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220062804/https://www.nature.com/articles/srep01376 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Multiple peer-reviewed studies from 2018-2024 demonstrate that "anonymized" vehicle location data can be re-identified with high accuracy. A 2022 study showed researchers could re-identify drivers from raw vehicle network data with 97% accuracy by exploiting inter-dependencies in sensor measurements.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167404822002139 |title=Privacy-preserving vehicle trajectory matching |website=ScienceDirect |date=2022 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240415115116/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167404822002139 |archive-date=15 Apr 2024}}</ref> Research published in the Journal of Computer Science and Technology (2022) found that even three to four location points can uniquely identify individuals.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sun |first=She |last2=Ma |first2=Shuai |last3=Song |first3=Jing-He |last4=Yue |first4=Wen-Hai |last5=Lin |first5=Xue-Lian |last6=Ma |first6=Tiejun |date=2022 |title=Experiments and Analyses of Anonymization Mechanisms for Trajectory Data Publishing |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |journal=Journal of Computer Science and Technology |doi=10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240804052830/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |archive-date=4 Aug 2024}}</ref>

====Business model====
Flock operates on a subscription model charging municipalities and law enforcement agencies $2,500 USD per camera annually plus installation costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://campbellca.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=279 |title=How much does a Flock Safety camera cost? |work=City of Campbell |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251001015154/https://campbellca.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=279 |archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref> Private businesses including Home Depot, Lowe's, and FedEx also deploy cameras, sharing data with law enforcement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.404media.co/home-depot-and-lowes-share-data-from-hundreds-of-ai-cameras-with-cops/ |title=Home Depot and Lowe's Share Data From Hundreds of AI Cameras With Cops |first=Jason |last=Koebler |date=6 Aug 2025 |work=404 Media |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823135847/https://www.404media.co/home-depot-and-lowes-share-data-from-hundreds-of-ai-cameras-with-cops/ |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Contracts include automatic renewal clauses and limit municipal oversight capabilities, with cities unable to audit system operations or control how other agencies use shared data.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aclu.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/flock_1.pdf |title=How to Pump the Brakes on Your Police Department's Use of Flock's Mass Surveillance License Plate Readers |work=American Civil Liberties Union |date=2024 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126201758/https://www.aclu.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/flock_1.pdf |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>

====Market control====
Flock Safety has rapidly expanded to become a dominant force in automated license plate recognition, operating in 49 states with over 40,000 cameras deployed. The company's network effect creates pressure for additional jurisdictions to join, as law enforcement effectiveness depends on network coverage. Several states have begun restricting access following privacy violations, with California, Illinois, and New York limiting data sharing after immigration and abortion-related tracking incidents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.michaelrcronin.com/post/flock-blocks-ice-from-license-plate-reader-access-in-several-states |title='Flock' Blocks ICE from License Plate Reader Access in Several States |work=Yes You Can Go |date=2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112062510/https://www.michaelrcronin.com/post/flock-blocks-ice-from-license-plate-reader-access-in-several-states |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Premise of a "license plate camera"===
While marketed as "license plate readers,"' Flock cameras use what the company calls "Vehicle Fingerprint" technology which tracks vehicles using characteristics beyond just license plates. The system catalogs vehicles based on numerous distinguishing features including make, model, color, bumper stickers, dents, damage patterns, roof racks, aftermarket modifications such as wheels or spoilers, window stickers, and even mismatching paint colors.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date= |title=LPR Cameras |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/YWYB6 |archive-date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Oct 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>. According to Flock's own marketing materials, the system can identify vehicles even when license plates cannot be captured, advertised as turning "images into actionable evidence — no plate required."<ref>{{Cite web |title=License Plate Readers |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/YWYB6 |archive-date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>

Flock claims this capability is ''"unique among ALPR systems"'' and allows law enforcement to search for vehicles based on these characteristics even without a visible license plate.

This technology changes the nature of the surveillance from license plate reading to comprehensive vehicle tracking. A person could still be tracked by the unique combination of their vehicle's physical characteristics. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns that these ''"vehicle fingerprints"'' could flag vehicles based on political bumper stickers, revealing ''"information on the political or social views of the driver,"'' or economic indicators like rust or damage, potentially "endangering anyone who might not feel the need (or have the income required) to keep their car in perfect shape."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-14 |title=Things to Know Before Your Neighborhood Installs an Automated License Plate Reader |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/09/flock-license-plate-reader-homeowners-association-safe-problems |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Electronic Frontier Foundation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221033709/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/09/flock-license-plate-reader-homeowners-association-safe-problems |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Privacy advocates note that this expanded tracking capability makes the term ''"license plate reader"'' misleading, as Flock systems create detailed vehicle profiles that persist even without readable plates. It turns any distinguishing feature of a vehicle into a tracking identifier.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stop Flock |url=https://www.stopflock.com/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Stop Flock |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251222060644/https://stopflock.com/ |archive-date=22 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Patent for person identification by race and physical characteristics==
A U.S. Patent granted to Flock Group Inc. in August 2022 reveals the company has developed and patented technology to identify and classify people based on race, gender, and other physical characteristics.<ref name="patent11416545">{{Cite web |url=https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/77/9a/03/7b3b26499077d4/US11416545.pdf |title=System and Method for Object Based Query of Video Content Captured by a Dynamic Surveillance Network |website=United States Patent and Trademark Office |date=16 Aug 2022 |access-date=21 Jan 2025 |format=PDF |first1=Garrett |last1=Langley |first2=Matt |last2=Feury  |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202115638/https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/77/9a/03/7b3b26499077d4/US11416545.pdf |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref> Patent US 11,416,545 B1 describes a system that goes beyond vehicle identification to analyze human subjects captured in surveillance footage.

According to the patent documentation, when the system identifies a human being in captured footage, it uses neural network modules specifically configured to classify people by "male, female, race, etc." The patent further describes using additional neural networks to identify clothing types, estimate height and weight, and other physical characteristics of individuals.<ref name="patent11416545" /> The system can then store this classification data in searchable databases, allowing law enforcement to query for people based on these physical attributes.

The patent shows that Flock's technology is designed to create comprehensive profiles that can track individuals across multiple camera locations by matching physical characteristics. While Flock publicly markets its products as ''"license plate readers"'' focused on vehicles, this patent demonstrates the company has developed capabilities for detailed human surveillance and classification by protected characteristics including race and gender.<ref name="patent11416545" />

Privacy and civil-liberties advocates have warned that biometric/appearance-based identification and classification—especially along race and gender lines—can enable discriminatory policing and amplify harms from demographic bias and misidentification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How is Face Recognition Surveillance Technology Racist? |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=2020-06-16 |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/how-is-face-recognition-surveillance-technology-racist |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045330/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/how-is-face-recognition-surveillance-technology-racist |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NIST Study Evaluates Effects of Race, Age, Sex on Face Recognition Software |website=National Institute of Standards and Technology |date=2019-12-19 |url=https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/12/nist-study-evaluates-effects-race-age-sex-face-recognition-software |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213231602/https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/12/nist-study-evaluates-effects-race-age-sex-face-recognition-software |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref> In that context, the Flock Group patent’s explicit discussion of classifying people by attributes including “race” and “male/female” suggests capabilities that extend beyond vehicle identification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US11416545B1 - System and method for object based query of video content captured by a dynamic surveillance network |website=Google Patents |date=2022-08-16 |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US11416545B1 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204132539/https://patents.google.com/patent/US11416545B1 |archive-date=4 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Legal challenges==

===Washington state judge declares Flock footage as public records ''(6 Nov 2025)''===
An Oregon resident filed public records requests at various police departments in the state of Washington regarding information collected from Flock cameras. The cities of Stanwood and Sedro-Woolley filed a motion to reject the resident's request, with their attorney stating that publicizing Flock footage may be a violation of privacy that could lead to stalking.

Some exemptions are given to deny public records request, particularly due to investigations. However, the judge dismissed the motion, declaring that the camera footage was "so broad and indiscriminate" with no distinction between criminal activity and casual civilian activity that the data had to be released to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingalls |first=Chris |date=6 Nov 2025 |title=Judge orders police to release surveillance camera data, raising privacy questions |url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/investigators/judge-orders-washington-police-release-surveillance-camera-data-privacy-questions/281-c2037d52-6afb-4bf7-95ad-0eceaf477864 |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |website=KING5 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251110233248/https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/investigators/judge-orders-washington-police-release-surveillance-camera-data-privacy-questions/281-c2037d52-6afb-4bf7-95ad-0eceaf477864 |archive-date=10 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Jenna |date=6 Nov 2025 |title=Judge denies request to exempt Flock footage from Public Records Act |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/judge-denies-request-to-exempt-flock-footage-from-public-records-act/ |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |website=Herald Net |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226145253/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/judge-denies-request-to-exempt-flock-footage-from-public-records-act/ |archive-date=26 Dec 2025}}</ref>

The judge stated:<ref name=":5" /><blockquote>“I do think that the information at stake does have serious privacy implications, but that’s not the analysis for the intelligence information exemption,” she said. “You also have to make a finding that this is specific intelligence information that is compiled by investigative or law enforcement agencies, and the information that’s being compiled here does not relate to a specific case or investigation. The public already knows that these cameras exist and are operated. Many of them are in sight. The information does not disclose particular methods or procedures for gathering or evaluating intelligence information.” </blockquote>

===Norfolk federal lawsuit ''(February 2025)''===
In February 2025, Chief Judge Mark S. Davis of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia denied Norfolk's motion to dismiss a landmark Fourth Amendment lawsuit. The case involves two residents whose vehicles were tracked 526 times in 4.5 months and 849 times over the same period, figures revealed in a September 2025 court filing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399|title=Virginia police used Flock cameras to track driver 526 times in 4 months, lawsuit says|work=NBC News|date=2025-09-18|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002237/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Norfolk installed 172 Flock Safety cameras in 2023 at a cost of $430,000-$516,000 annually. Police Chief Mark Talbot stated the goal was making it ''"difficult to drive anywhere of any distance without running into a camera somewhere."''<ref name="norfolk" />

Judge Davis's ruling relied on ''Carpenter v. United States'', the 2018 Supreme Court decision requiring warrants for historical cell phone location data. The court found Norfolk's ALPR network "notably similar" to the surveillance the Supreme Court deemed unconstitutional. However, courts remain divided. In November 2024, Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne in the same district denied a motion to suppress Flock evidence, holding that three vehicle snapshots don't constitute "persistent surveillance" requiring a warrant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://valawyersweekly.com/2024/11/11/mosaic-theory-rejected-flock-camera-evidence-does-not-violate-fourth-amendment/|title='Mosaic theory' rejected: Flock camera evidence does not violate Fourth Amendment|website=Virginia Lawyers Weekly|date=2024-11-11|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208113511/https://valawyersweekly.com/2024/11/11/mosaic-theory-rejected-flock-camera-evidence-does-not-violate-fourth-amendment/ |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Virginia state courts show similar disagreement. Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Jamilah LeCruise granted a suppression motion in May 2024, finding that the breadth of Flock cameras covering Norfolk requires a warrant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/virginia-judge-rejects-alpr-evidence-without-warrant|title=Virginia Judge Rejects ALPR Evidence Without Warrant|website=Government Technology|date=2024-05-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213050025/https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/virginia-judge-rejects-alpr-evidence-without-warrant |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> Yet three other Norfolk circuit court judges denied similar motions in 2024.

===State regulatory landscape===
Only 16 states have enacted any form of ALPR regulation as of 2024 according to University of Michigan research.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse|title=Automated License Plate Readers widely used, subject to abuse|website=University of Michigan|date=2023|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112852/https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> Virginia enacted House Bill 2724 in 2025 creating annual reporting requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vscc.virginia.gov/Annual%20Reports/2024%20VSCC%20Annual%20Report%20-Law%20Enforcement%20Use%20of%20ALPR.pdf|title=2024 VSCC Annual Report - Law Enforcement Use of ALPR|website=Virginia State Crime Commission|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207225650/https://vscc.virginia.gov/Annual%20Reports/2024%20VSCC%20Annual%20Report%20-Law%20Enforcement%20Use%20of%20ALPR.pdf |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref> Illinois Public Act 103-0540 explicitly prohibits use for reproductive healthcare punishment and immigration investigations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/103/103-0540.htm|title=Public Act 103-0540|website=Illinois General Assembly|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250223092503/https://ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/103/103-0540.htm |archive-date=23 Feb 2025}}</ref>

Illinois prohibits law enforcement agencies from sharing ALPR data with other jurisdictions in relation to a person's immigration status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Act 103-0540 |url=https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/103/PDF/103-0540.pdf |url-status=usurped |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Illinois General Assembly |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251031232338/https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/103/PDF/103-0540.pdf |archive-date=31 Oct 2025}}</ref> New Hampshire requires a three-minute purge of data from ALPR use with the exception of ongoing investigations. <ref>{{Cite web |title=261:75-b Use of Number Plate Scanning Devices Regulated. |url=https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/title-xxi/chapter-261/section-261-75-b/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=New Hampshire General Court}}</ref>

California’s SB 34 requires public agencies using ALPR systems to implement usage and privacy policies as well as limits to data sharing. <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB34 |title=SB-34 Automated license plate recognition systems: use of data |work=California Legislative Information |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251220181318/https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB34 |archive-date=20 Dec 2025}}</ref> However, enforcement remains inconsistent, with a 2020 state audit finding widespread non-compliance.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/index.html |title=Automated License Plate Readers |work=California State Auditor |date=13 Feb 2020 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230930215217/https://auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/index.html |archive-date=30 Sep 2023}}</ref>

==Notable incidents==

====Illinois audit findings (2024-2025)====
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced in late August 2024 that Flock Safety violated state law by allowing U.S. Customs and Border Protection to access Illinois license plate data for immigration enforcement.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-08-25 |title=Flock Safety's Response to Illinois LPR Data Use and Out-of-State Sharing Concerns |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safetys-response-to-illinois-lpr-data-use-and-out-of-state-sharing-concerns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/XNzcS |archive-date=5 May 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Flock Safety}}</ref> The audit of 12 local law enforcement agencies revealed unauthorized pilot programs with CBP and Homeland Security Investigations, violating Illinois law prohibiting data sharing for immigration enforcement, gender-affirming care investigations, and abortion-related matters. Following the audit, 47 out-of-state agencies were removed from access to Illinois data.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/flock-pledges-changes-after-illinois-data-sharing-accusation|title=Flock Pledges Changes After Illinois Data-Sharing Accusation|website=Government Technology|date=2024-08-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002252/https://www.govtech.com/biz/flock-pledges-changes-after-illinois-data-sharing-accusation |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Mount Prospect, Illinois reported 262 immigration-related license plate reader searches in just the first few months of 2025. A Palos Heights detective shared Flock login credentials with a DEA agent who conducted 28 unauthorized searches of Oak Park ALPR data explicitly labeled "immigration violation."<ref name="dea">{{Cite web|url=https://unraveledpress.com/a-dea-agent-used-an-illinois-police-officers-flock-license-plate-reader-password-for-unauthorized-immigration-enforcement-searches/|title=DEA agent used Illinois cop's Flock license plate reader password for immigration enforcement searches|work=Unraveled Press|date=2025|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115628/https://unraveledpress.com/a-dea-agent-used-an-illinois-police-officers-flock-license-plate-reader-password-for-unauthorized-immigration-enforcement-searches/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref>

====California violations (2015-2025)====
California passed Senate Bill 34<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_201520160sb34|title=Senate Bill 34|access-date=2025-08-27 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114051856/https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_201520160sb34 |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref> in 2015 to limit how California police departments can use and share data collected from these cameras with other state's and federal law enforcement agencies. These limits have been found to be violated on several occasions with little enforcement or consequences for the misusing departments<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/23/california-police-sharing-flock-license-plate-data/|access-date=2025-08-27|title=California cops are breaking surveillance laws|website=San Francisco Standard|date=2025-07-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118202113/https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/23/california-police-sharing-flock-license-plate-data/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref>.

A 2023 EFF investigation found 71 California police agencies in 22 counties illegally shared data with out-of-state law enforcement. San Francisco Police Department alone allowed 1.6 million illegal searches by out-of-state agencies from 2024-2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/08/sfpd-flock-alpr-ice-data-sharing/|title=SFPD let Georgia, Texas cops illegally search city surveillance data on behalf of ICE|website=San Francisco Standard|date=2025-09-08|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118202113/https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/08/sfpd-flock-alpr-ice-data-sharing/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref> The California Attorney General filed the first enforcement action against the City of El Cajon in 2025 for sharing with 26 states.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-el-cajon-illegally-sharing-license-plate-data-out|title=Attorney General Bonta Sues El Cajon for Illegally Sharing License Plate Data|website=California DOJ|date=2025|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219035817/https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-el-cajon-illegally-sharing-license-plate-data-out |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===False positive incidents===

====Families detained at gunpoint====
In Española, New Mexico, 21-year-old Jaclynn Gonzales and her 12-year-old sister were held at gunpoint and handcuffed after Flock's system mistook a "2" for a "7" on their license plate, falsely flagging their vehicle as stolen.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-28 |title=License plate cover leads to traffic stop mishap |url=https://www.koat.com/article/espanola-police-license-plate-stolen-cover-traffic-stop/45361740|website=KOAT|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203063901/https://www.koat.com/article/espanola-police-license-plate-stolen-cover-traffic-stop/45361740 |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Flock Safety: Eroding Your Privacy & Keeping You Safe with Surveillance |url=https://redact.dev/blog/flock-safety-lpr-privacy-surveillance/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Redact |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045516/https://redact.dev/blog/flock-safety-lpr-privacy-surveillance/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

ALPR systems often misread license plates according to multiple investigations, leading to hardship & legal trouble for innocent civilians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/11/human-toll-alpr-errors|title=The Human Toll of ALPR Errors|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|date=2024-11-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217071819/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/11/human-toll-alpr-errors |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>

===Law enforcement stalking incidents===

In October 2022, Kechi, Kansas Police Lieutenant Victor Heiar was arrested and later pleaded guilty to computer crimes and stalking after using Flock cameras to track his estranged wife's movements over four months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/|title=Kechi police lieutenant arrested for using police technology to stalk wife|work=KWCH|date=2022-10-31|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216093439/https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> In a separate Kansas incident, Sedgwick Police Chief Lee Nygaard accessed Flock data 164 times to track his ex-girlfriend before resigning after admitting to the misuse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html|title=Kansas police chief used Flock license plate cameras 164 times to track ex-girlfriend|work=Yahoo News|date=2025|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124143444/https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Multiple other documented cases include Las Vegas Metro Officer Christopher Young arrested in December 2023 for stalking his ex-fiancée using police databases, and Riverside County Deputy Eric Piscatella pleading guilty in February 2024 to seven counts of misusing sheriff's department databases to stalk a woman he met at Coachella.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/?outputType=amp|title=Las Vegas police officer arrested for reportedly stalking ex-fiancée|website=FOX5 Vegas|date=2024-02-16|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213030246/https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/?outputType=amp |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Abortion and reproductive healthcare tracking===
In May 2025, Johnson County, Texas sheriff's deputies used Flock's network to track a woman suspected of self-managing an abortion. They conducted searches across 83,000+ Flock cameras nationwide with the explicit reason: "had an abortion, search for female." The search accessed cameras across multiple states including those where abortion is legal. The incident led Illinois officials to investigate and subsequently block 47+ out-of-state agencies from accessing Illinois ALPR data.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2025/06/13/after-finding-fetal-remains-north-texas-cops-used-camera-network-to-search-for-woman/|title=After finding fetal remains, North Texas cops used camera network to search for woman|work=The Dallas Morning News|date=2025-06-13|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045557/https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2025/06/13/after-finding-fetal-remains-north-texas-cops-used-camera-network-to-search-for-woman/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/05/she-got-abortion-so-texas-cop-used-83000-cameras-track-her-down|title=She Got an Abortion. So A Texas Cop Used 83,000 Cameras to Track Her Down|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|date=2025-05-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260125222243/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/05/she-got-abortion-so-texas-cop-used-83000-cameras-track-her-down |archive-date=25 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Investigations and court records show that some law enforcement officers have misused Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems for personal, non-investigative purposes, including stalking romantic partners or monitoring civilians. These incidents highlight weaknesses & lack of internal oversight, & the reliance on post-hoc audits rather than real-time safeguards.

In Menasha, Wisconsin, police officer Cristian Morales was charged in January 2026 with misconduct in office after allegedly using the department’s Flock ALPR system to track his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors alleged Morales conducted five unauthorized searches of his ex-partner’s vehicle in October 2025. According to the criminal complaint, Morales admitted he knew the searches were improper and cited “desperation and bad judgment.” He was placed on administrative leave, prohibited from accessing Flock systems, and released on a $10,000 cash bond pending further proceedings. Court records also show a related civil filing seeking a temporary restraining order in a domestic abuse case.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kerhin |first=Brian |date=2026-01-09 |title=Menasha police officer accused of using license plate recognition system to track his ex |url=https://fox11online.com/news/crime/menasha-police-officer-accused-of-using-license-plate-recognition-system-to-track-his-ex |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/V8GGF |archive-date=13 January 2026 |work=FOX 11 News}}</ref>

The Menasha case matches what is becoming a national pattern. In Kansas, Kechi Police Lieutenant Victor Heiar pleaded guilty in 2022 to computer crimes & stalking after using Flock cameras to monitor his estranged wife’s movements over several months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Joe |date=2022-10-31 |title=Kechi police lieutenant arrested for using police technology to stalk wife |url=https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216093439/https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |work=KWCH}}</ref> In another Kansas incident, Sedgwick Police Chief Lee Nygaard admitted in 2025 to accessing Flock ALPR data more than 160 times to track his ex-girlfriend and her new partner, resulting in his resignation and loss of police certification.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stavola |first=Michael |date=August 17, 2024 |title=Kansas police chief used Flock license plate cameras to track ex-girlfriend |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124143444/https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-date=24 Jan 2026 |work=Yahoo News}}</ref>

More cases involving other surveillance systems show a similar misuse. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer Christopher Young was arrested in 2023 for stalking his ex-fiancée using police databases, and in California, Riverside County deputy Eric Piscatella pleaded guilty in 2024 to multiple counts of misusing sheriff’s department databases to stalk a woman he met while off duty.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCandless |first=C.C. |date=2024-02-16 |title=Las Vegas police officer arrested for reportedly stalking ex-fiancée |url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240907035401/https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2024 |work=FOX5 Vegas}}</ref>

Oversight reviews & civil liberties organizations have noted that ALPR systems enable quick searches of historical vehicle location data across wide geographic areas. This reduces practical barriers to stalking & increases the risk of abuse by authorized users. While Flock & participating agencies rely on usage policies & access logs, many cases show misuse was detected only after complaints or later audits rather than through proactive safeguards.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Automated License Plate Readers widely used, subject to abuse |url=https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112852/https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-date=5 Feb 2026 |work=University of Michigan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=Nikki |date=April 16, 2024 |title=ALPR Audit Takeaways: What We Learned About Policy Gaps |url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002217/https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-date=26 Dec 2025 |work=Government Technology}}</ref>

===Federal agency access===
Immigration and Customs Enforcement maintains a $6.1 million contract giving 9,000+ ICE officers access to the Vigilant Solutions ALPR database containing over 5 billion location data points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/documents-reveal-ice-using-driver-location-data|title=Documents Reveal ICE Using Driver Location Data From Local Police for Deportations|website=ACLU|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220150454/https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/documents-reveal-ice-using-driver-location-data |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> The Drug Enforcement Administration operates a National License Plate Reader Program with over 10,000 license plate readers shared throughout the United States. 404 Media revealed over 4,000 searches by local and state police for federal immigration enforcement purposes, despite Flock having no formal ICE contract.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |date=2025 |title=ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |url-access=registration |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=404 Media}}</ref> A DEA agent was found using an Illinois police officer's credentials to conduct unauthorized immigration searches.<ref name="dea" />

===Illegal Camera Installations===
In South Carolina, Flock installed over 200 cameras without authorization, leading to a statewide moratorium on new installations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferrara |first=David |date=2024-03-11 |title=A company installed license plate cameras without permission. SC agency wants clear rules |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/news/alpr-cameras-south-carolina-flock-safety-license-plate-readers/article_787a262a-dbd2-11ee-a901-634acead588b.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=The Post and Courier |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212144432/https://www.postandcourier.com/news/alpr-cameras-south-carolina-flock-safety-license-plate-readers/article_787a262a-dbd2-11ee-a901-634acead588b.html |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

In Illinois, a Flock representative allegedly threatened a Department of Transportation official with police pressure when questioned about permit applications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uprise RI Staff |date=2024-10-23 |title=As Flock Surveillance Cameras Proliferate in Rhode Island, Lawsuit Challenges Their Legality |url=https://upriseri.com/as-flock-surveillance-cameras-proliferate-in-rhode-island-lawsuit-challenges-their-legality/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=UPRISE RI |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241101064737/https://upriseri.com/as-flock-surveillance-cameras-proliferate-in-rhode-island-lawsuit-challenges-their-legality/ |archive-date=1 Nov 2024}}</ref>

=====Evanston, IL=====
Flock was ordered to remove 18 stationary cameras. The city put the contract with Flock on a 30-day termination notice on August 26. Flock Initially appeared to comply, removing 15 of the cameras by September 8. Later, Flock was caught reinstalling all of them by the following Tuesday without authorization from the city. The city of Evanston responded with a cease-and-desist order for Flock to remove the new and unauthorized camera equipment. Because Flock reinstalled the cameras without permission, Evanston was forced to cover the cameras with tape and bags to block them from potentially logging vehicle data.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Alex |date=2025-09-25 |title=City covers Flock cameras while waiting for removal |url=https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/09/25/city-covers-up-flock-cameras-while-waiting-for-removal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002233/https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/09/25/city-covers-up-flock-cameras-while-waiting-for-removal/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-10-10 |website=Evanston Roundtable}}</ref>

===City rejections and terminations===

Multiple cities have rejected or terminated Flock contracts following privacy concerns and effectiveness issues:

'''0.2% effectiveness rate, low arrests:''' Austin, Texas terminated its contract in July 2025 after an audit revealed "systematic compliance failures" and only 165 arrests from 113 million license plate scans (0.146% effectiveness rate).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/flock-ceo-responds-to-austin-backlash-as-city-contract-nears-expiration|title=Flock CEO responds to Austin backlash as city contract nears expiration|work=CBS Austin|date=2025-06-21|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216120645/https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/flock-ceo-responds-to-austin-backlash-as-city-contract-nears-expiration |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Denver City Council unanimously rejected a $666,000 contract extension in May 2025 following revelations of 1,400+ ICE-related searches in Colorado data.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zialcita |first=Paolo |last2=Harris |first2=Kyle |date=2025-05-05 |title=Denver rejects $666,000 extension for license-plate surveillance cameras after backlash |url=https://denverite.com/2025/05/05/denver-rejects-flock-camera-license-plate-readers/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216120658/https://denverite.com/2025/05/05/denver-rejects-flock-camera-license-plate-readers/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Denverite}}</ref>

San Marcos, Texas voted 5-2 to deny camera expansion after discovering no required audits had been conducted since 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Velez |first=Abigail |date=2025-06-04 |title=San Marcos City Council votes to deny flock camera expansion after hours of heated debate |url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/san-marcos-city-council-votes-to-deny-flock-camera-expansion-after-hours-of-heated-debate |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=CBS Austin |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251122133613/https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/san-marcos-city-council-votes-to-deny-flock-camera-expansion-after-hours-of-heated-debate |archive-date=22 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Oak Park, Illinois terminated their contract entirely following the Illinois investigation into illegal data sharing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heffernan |first=Brendan |date=2025-08-07 |title=Oak Park terminates Flock license plate reader contract |url=https://www.oakpark.com/2025/08/07/oak-park-terminates-flock-license-plate-reader-contract/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115622/https://www.oakpark.com/2025/08/07/oak-park-terminates-flock-license-plate-reader-contract/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Wednesday Journal}}</ref>

===Arizona deployments===
Sedona, Arizona became the first Arizona city to completely terminate its Flock Safety contract in September 2025 after citizen backlash. The city had installed 11 cameras in June 2025 without prior public notice at a cost of $51,146 for the first year. The council voted 5-1 to pause the program, then unanimously 7-0 on September 9 to permanently terminate after Flock CEO Garrett Langley admitted the company had been sharing data with federal agencies. Vice Mayor Holli Ploog called Flock "not an honorable company" for the conflicting data-sharing claims.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/sedona-pulls-the-plug-on-flock-safety|title=Sedona Pulls the Plug on Flock Safety|website=West Valley Families|date=2025-09-10|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209130335/https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/sedona-pulls-the-plug-on-flock-safety |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Skabelund |first=Adrian |date=2025-09-11 |title=Sedona council permanently ends license plate camera program |url=https://www.knau.org/knau-and-arizona-news/2025-09-11/sedona-council-permanently-ends-license-plate-camera-program |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212215752/https://www.knau.org/knau-and-arizona-news/2025-09-11/sedona-council-permanently-ends-license-plate-camera-program |archive-date=12 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=KNAU}}</ref>

Flagstaff deployed 32 Flock cameras in summer 2024 at a cost of $143,100 annually. By September 2025, a petition signed by 25+ residents demanded cancellation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Marizco |first=Michel |date=2025-09-01 |title=After Sedona paused Flock Safety camera system, Flagstaff is considering the same issue |url=https://www.kjzz.org/fronteras-desk/2025-09-01/after-sedona-paused-flock-safety-camera-system-flagstaff-is-considering-the-same-issue |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045803/https://www.kjzz.org/fronteras-desk/2025-09-01/after-sedona-paused-flock-safety-camera-system-flagstaff-is-considering-the-same-issue |archive-date=23 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=KJZZ}}</ref>

University of Arizona contracted with Flock in February 2025 for 54 ALPR cameras at $160,000 annually. Students and faculty launched a "Deflock Tucson" campaign citing concerns about tracking international students and potential data sharing with federal immigration authorities.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kunichoff |first=Yana |date=2025-09-15 |title=UA students and faculty question use of Flock Safety cameras on campus |url=https://azluminaria.org/2025/09/15/ua-students-and-faculty-question-use-of-flock-safety-cameras-on-campus/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002242/https://azluminaria.org/2025/09/15/ua-students-and-faculty-question-use-of-flock-safety-cameras-on-campus/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=AZ Luminaria}}</ref>

Casa Grande approved a $10 million "Safe City Initiative" in September 2025 including 100 license plate readers. Chief Mark McCrory reported the current 22 license plate readers led to 212 stolen vehicles identified and 168 arrests.<ref>{{cite web |last=Iverson |first=David |date=2025 |title=We mapped the city's Flock cameras |url=https://www.inmaricopa.com/we-mapped-all-flock-cameras/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002923/https://inmaricopa.com/we-mapped-all-flock-cameras/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=InMaricopa}}</ref>

Despite documented deployments across Arizona including Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Surprise, Youngtown, Litchfield Park, and Yuma, the state has no ALPR-specific regulation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grauer |first=Yael |date=2019-07-08 |title=How do automated license plate readers work? |url=https://azmirror.com/2019/07/08/how-do-automated-license-plate-readers-work/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114035603/https://azmirror.com/2019/07/08/how-do-automated-license-plate-readers-work/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Arizona Mirror}}</ref>

==Security vulnerabilities==
In 2025, Flock Safety reported security vulnerabilities in its devices and submitted them to MITRE for inclusion in the National Vulnerability Database, including issues such as hard-coded credentials and improper access controls.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-05 |title=Gunshot Detection and License Plate Reader Security Alert |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/gunshot-detection-and-license-plate-reader-security-alert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/2DEQv |archive-date=5 May 2026 |website=Flock Safety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-02 |title=CVE-2025-59403 : The Flock Safety Android Collins application (aka com.flocksafety.android.collin |url=https://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2025-59403/ |website=CVEdetails.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207014907/https://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2025-59403/ |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref> Similar security concerns have affected other ALPR systems, including exposure of default passwords and unencrypted data storage.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Quintin |first=Cooper |date=28 Oct 2015 |title=License Plate Readers Exposed! How Public Safety Agencies Responded to Major Vulnerabilities in Vehicle Surveillance Tech |url=https://www.eff.org/ur/deeplinks/2015/10/license-plate-readers-exposed-how-public-safety-agencies-responded-massive |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210130106/https://www.eff.org/ur/deeplinks/2015/10/license-plate-readers-exposed-how-public-safety-agencies-responded-massive |archive-date=10 Dec 2025}}</ref>

This represents one of several major security disclosures in the past decade. In 2015, the Electronic Frontier Foundation documented more than 100 ALPR cameras accessible on the open internet, often without passwords or proper configuration.<ref name=":4" /> A more serious documented breach occurred in 2019, when Perceptics, LLC, a subcontractor for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, exposed approximately 105,000 license plate images and 184,000 traveler facial images.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Review of CBP's Major Cybersecurity Incident During a 2019 Biometric Pilot |url=https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2020-09/OIG-20-71-Sep20.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121195004/https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2020-09/OIG-20-71-Sep20.pdf |archive-date=21 Jan 2026}}</ref>

In 2025 it has been discovered that the cameras run [[wikipedia:Android_Oreo|Android 8.0 (Oreo)]] an operating system with 90 security vulnerabilities. The cameras also send data unencrypted and are easily tricked by stingrays. The compute boxes have easily accessible USB-c ports leaving the device vulnerable to rubber duckies. When the power button is pressed in a specific order the device emits a Wi-Fi hotspot that can be used to gain [[wikipedia:Android_Debug_Bridge|ADB]] access.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benn |first=Jordan |date=2025-11-16 |title=We Hacked Flock Safety Cameras in under 30 Seconds. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0gr7Fh6lY |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=uB0gr7Fh6lY |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Government accountability and oversight==

===State audit findings===
California State Auditor's February 2020 investigation found the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), with a 320 million image database, had no ALPR-specific policy at all. The audit found 96% of agencies claim to have policies, but most are incomplete. Data retention periods varied wildly with no justification. LAPD maintained a minimum five-year retention period, yet couldn't demonstrate that images stored for years had investigative value. The audit found that 99.9% of the 320 million images Los Angeles stores are for vehicles that were not on a "hot list" when the image was made.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://information.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/summary.html |title=Automated License Plate Readers |website=California State Auditor |date=13 Feb 2020 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113154443/https://information.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/summary.html |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref>

New Jersey provides a contrasting model with mandatory annual audits of all 523 law enforcement agencies. The 2024 audit reported only two significant violations, both involving users who hadn't completed required training.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=2024 Audit of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Data |url=https://nj.gov/njsp/ALPR/pdf/2024_Audit_Automated_License_Plate_Recognition_(ALPR)_Data_Collected_Utilized_NJ_Law_Enforcement_Agencies.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207224414/https://nj.gov/njsp/ALPR/pdf/2024_Audit_Automated_License_Plate_Recognition_(ALPR)_Data_Collected_Utilized_NJ_Law_Enforcement_Agencies.pdf |archive-date=7 Dec 2025 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |website=New Jersey State Police |format=PDF}}</ref>

A Government Technology analysis found that agencies often fail to audit ALPR systems regularly, leaving them "open to abuse by neglecting to institute sufficient oversight."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Nikki |date=2024 |title=ALPR Audit Takeaways: What We Learned About Policy Gaps |url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002217/https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-date=26 Dec 2025 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |website=Government Technology}}</ref>

===Cost-benefit analysis===
Arizona Department of Transportation's 2008 study of generic ALPR technology (predating Flock Safety by nine years) estimated $9.98 million for a hypothetical statewide ALPR system. The projected benefit-to-cost ratio of 9.6:1 came entirely from registration and insurance compliance, not crime reduction.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/PDF/AZ637.pdf |title=Automated License Plate Recognition Technology Implementation Report |website=Arizona Department of Transportation |date=1 Jun 2008 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208050300/https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/pdf/az637.pdf |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Colorado's Office of Research and Statistics reported that while ALPR systems are expanding, independent academic research contradicts vendor claims. A 2011 George Mason University study concluded ALPRs "do not achieve a prevention or deterrent effect" on crime.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/Docs/Briefs/2024-05_InDetail-ALPR.pdf |title=Automated License Plate Readers (In Detail) |website=Colorado Division of Criminal Justice |date=1 May 2024 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212210653/https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/Docs/Briefs/2024-05_InDetail-ALPR.pdf |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Oakland Police Department reported 182 arrests from ALPR in the first year, representing 1.4% of homicides, robberies, burglaries, and firearm assaults. The Northern California Regional Intelligence Center states approximately 1-2 vehicles out of 1,000 initiate alerts — a hit rate of just 0.1-0.2%.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ncric.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/California-Law-Enforcement-ALPR-FAQ.pdf |title=California Law Enforcement ALPR FAQ |website=NCRIC |date=2021 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219214745/https://ncric.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/California-Law-Enforcement-ALPR-FAQ.pdf |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Mountain View Findings===

The Mountain View Police Department became aware in early January in 2026 during a department-initiated audit that for a brief period in 2024 federal agencies accessed data from the first camera in operation in the city.

“During the prior federal administration, from August to November 2024, several federal law enforcement agencies accessed Mountain View’s Flock Safety ALPR system for one camera via a 'nationwide' search setting that was turned on by Flock Safety. This setting was enabled without MVPD’s permission or knowledge. The federal agencies that accessed the one camera’s data include Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offices in Kentucky and Nashville, TN; Langley Air Force Base in Virginia; the U.S. GSA Office of Inspector General; Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada; and an Ohio Air Force Base. Flock Safety did not retain records for that time period, which means the vendor cannot determine whether searches of Mountain View’s data resulted in license plate information being shared.”<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-30 |title=City Statement {{!}} City News {{!}} Mountain View, CA |url=https://www.mountainview.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1203/284 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/CDZ2Y |archive-date=2026-02-07 |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=mountainview.gov}}</ref>

MVPD officers also uncovered that “statewide lookup” had been turned on for all the city’s cameras since the program began. This feature has been turned off by the department on January 5, 2026. The MVPD plans to present a review of the ALPR pilot program to the City Council.

On February 2, 2026 Mountain View Police Chief Mike Canfield announced that all of the city's license plate cameras are being disabled, effective immediately.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Margaretten |first=Emily |last2=Morgan |first2=Zoe |date=2026-01-30 |title=Mountain View discovers unauthorized access to license plate data |url=https://www.mv-voice.com/police/2026/01/30/amid-immigration-crackdown-mountain-view-discovers-unauthorized-access-to-license-plate-data/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222220813/https://www.mv-voice.com/police/2026/01/30/amid-immigration-crackdown-mountain-view-discovers-unauthorized-access-to-license-plate-data/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2026-02-07 |website=Mountain View Voice}}</ref>

==Camera locations==
The locations of many Flock Cameras have been mapped by the OpenStreetMap project. A viewer of the locations of these cameras is located here: [https://deflock.me/map ALPR Map | DeFlock]

====Cease and desist to DeFlock.me====
DeFlock.org (formerly DeFlock.me) is a website allowing users to log and view the locations of ALPRs, such as Flock products. On 30 January 2025, Flock sent a cease and desist notice to the owner of DeFlock demanding the name of the website be changed to exclude the company's brand name. The letter also stated that "the Website also implies that various license plate readers are vulnerable to security hacks [...]" which Flock alleged "[...] provides a false impression about the security of Flock Products."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matz |first=Sarah M. |title=2025 01 31 DEFLOCK CD final |url=https://www.eff.org/files/2025/02/26/2025_01_31_deflock_cd_ex-3.pdf |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=30 Jan 2025 |access-date=27 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251020035804/https://www.eff.org/files/2025/02/26/2025_01_31_deflock_cd_ex-3.pdf |archive-date=20 Oct 2025}}</ref>

==External links==
*[https://deflock.me/ DeFlock live map of active ALPRs]
*[https://www.noalprs.org/ No ALPRS movement in United States]
*[https://plateprivacy.com/ The Plate Privacy Project]
*[https://eyesonflock.com/ Eyes On Flock]
*[https://wiki.alprwatch.org/index.php/Main_Page ALPR Watch Wiki]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Automatic license plate readers]]
[[Category:Flock Safety]]

Flock license plate readers

2026-05-06T04:01:27Z

Sojourna: /* Evanston, IL */ Removed unnecessary styling from section header.

{{ProductCargo
|Company=Flock Safety
|ProductLine=Flock Safety Falcon
|ReleaseYear=2017
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Cameras, Security, Surveillance
|Logo=Flock License plate readers (LPR).png
|Website=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers
|Description=AI-powered automated license plate reader (ALPR) system that creates "Vehicle Fingerprints" by recording license plates, vehicle characteristics, and movement patterns for law enforcement use without individual consent or warrants.
}}
'''Flock License Plate Readers''' (previously known as '''Flock Safety Falcon'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Falcon |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/devices/falcon |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/UjKM5 |archive-date=6 Dec 2024 |access-date=6 Dec 2024 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>), are a network of AI-powered surveillance cameras that record vehicle data for law enforcement agencies. The system operates in over 5,000 communities across 49 states in the U.S.A.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamid |first=Sarah |last2=Alajaji |first2=Rindala |date=27 Jun 2025 |title=Flock Safety's Feature Updates Cannot Make Automated License Plate Readers Safe |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250628052030/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |archive-date=28 Jun 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Electronic Frontier Foundation}}</ref> According to the company's own marketing materials, Flock performs over 20 billion vehicle scans monthly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/yDtD1 |archive-date=7 March 2026 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
====Freedom====
Residents and taxpayers have no mechanism to opt out of [[Flock Safety]]'s surveillance network. The cameras operate 24/7 in public spaces, recording all passing vehicles regardless of consent. They are also placed on private premises like universities, hospitals, businesses, and neighborhood associations, which often share this data with law enforcement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |date=19 Jun 2024 |title=FedEx's Secretive Police Force Is Helping Cops Build An AI Car Surveillance Network |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619112629/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |archive-date=19 Jun 2024 |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> This data can later be integrated into predictive police platforms like {{Wplink|Palantir Technologies|Palantir}}.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rettberg |first=Jill Walker |title=Machine Vision: How Algorithms are Changing the Way We See the World |date=11 Sep 2023 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons. |year=2023 |location=Google Books |pages=45-46 |language=English}}</ref>

Unlike traditional security cameras that may be avoided by choosing different routes, Flock's expanding network of over 100,000 cameras makes avoidance increasingly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eyes On Flock |url=https://eyesonflock.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008230140/https://eyesonflock.com/ |archive-date=2025-10-08 |access-date=9 Dec 2025 |work=Eyes On Flock}}</ref> The system uses AI to create ''"Vehicle [[Device fingerprint|Fingerprints]]"'' that identify vehicles by characteristics beyond license plates, including make, model, color, aftermarket parts, window stickers, and roof racks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |date=23 Jul 2025 |title=Surveillance Company Flock Now Using AI to Report Us to Police if it Thinks Our Movement Patterns Are "Suspicious" |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/surveillance-company-flock-now-using-ai-to-report-us-to-police-if-it-thinks-our-movement-patterns-are-suspicious |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814053755/https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/surveillance-company-flock-now-using-ai-to-report-us-to-police-if-it-thinks-our-movement-patterns-are-suspicious |archive-date=14 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=American Civil Liberties Union}}</ref>

====Privacy====
While Flock Safety claims their system doesn't violate Fourth Amendment rights because ''"license plates are not personal information,"''<ref name="Flock-PE">{{Cite web |title=Privacy & Ethics |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/privacy-ethics |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/OP55p |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref> federal courts have challenged this interpretation. In February 2024, a federal judge ruled that a lawsuit challenging Norfolk, Virginia's use of 172 Flock cameras could proceed, finding that plaintiffs had plausibly alleged the system creates a ''"detailed chronicle of a person's physical presence compiled every day."''<ref name="norfolk">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Dan |date=6 Feb 2024 |title=Judge Rules Lawsuit Challenging Norfolk's Use of Flock Cameras Can Proceed |url=https://ij.org/press-release/judge-rules-lawsuit-challenging-norfolks-use-of-flock-cameras-can-proceed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250717001536/https://ij.org/press-release/judge-rules-lawsuit-challenging-norfolks-use-of-flock-cameras-can-proceed/ |archive-date=17 Jul 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Institute for Justice}}</ref>

Data collected includes location history that can reveal sensitive information about medical visits, religious attendance, political activities, and personal associations. While Flock states data is deleted after 30 days, contracts grant them ''"perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license"'' to use anonymized data indefinitely.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Terms and Conditions |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/terms-and-conditions |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://archive.ph/dGV0l |archive-date=9 June 2023 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref> The system shares data across a network of over 4,800 law enforcement agencies nationally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=2024 |title=Lawsuit Argues Warrantless Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Is Unconstitutional |url=https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826013458/https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=404 Media}}</ref>

====="Anonymized Data"=====
While Flock's Terms and Conditions define "Anonymized Data" as customer data that is ''"permanently stripped of identifying details and any potential personally identifiable information"'' and is rendered so that a person or entity ''"can no longer be identified directly or indirectly,"'' this definition includes information such as vehicle make, model, color, location patterns, and other non–license-plate attributes.<ref name=":1" />

Privacy researchers caution that mobility datasets labeled as "anonymized" can still be re-identified. A 2013 MIT study found that just four spatio-temporal points uniquely identified 95% of individuals in an anonymized location dataset.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=de Montjoye |first=Y.-A. |last2=Hidalgo |first2=C. A. |last3=Verleysen |first3=M. |last4=Blondel |first4=V. D. |year=2013 |title=Unique in the Crowd: The privacy bounds of human mobility |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/srep01376 |journal=Scientific Reports |volume=3 |pages=1376 |doi=10.1038/srep01376 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220062804/https://www.nature.com/articles/srep01376 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Multiple peer-reviewed studies from 2018-2024 demonstrate that "anonymized" vehicle location data can be re-identified with high accuracy. A 2022 study showed researchers could re-identify drivers from raw vehicle network data with 97% accuracy by exploiting inter-dependencies in sensor measurements.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167404822002139 |title=Privacy-preserving vehicle trajectory matching |website=ScienceDirect |date=2022 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240415115116/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167404822002139 |archive-date=15 Apr 2024}}</ref> Research published in the Journal of Computer Science and Technology (2022) found that even three to four location points can uniquely identify individuals.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sun |first=She |last2=Ma |first2=Shuai |last3=Song |first3=Jing-He |last4=Yue |first4=Wen-Hai |last5=Lin |first5=Xue-Lian |last6=Ma |first6=Tiejun |date=2022 |title=Experiments and Analyses of Anonymization Mechanisms for Trajectory Data Publishing |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |journal=Journal of Computer Science and Technology |doi=10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240804052830/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |archive-date=4 Aug 2024}}</ref>

====Business model====
Flock operates on a subscription model charging municipalities and law enforcement agencies $2,500 USD per camera annually plus installation costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://campbellca.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=279 |title=How much does a Flock Safety camera cost? |work=City of Campbell |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251001015154/https://campbellca.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=279 |archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref> Private businesses including Home Depot, Lowe's, and FedEx also deploy cameras, sharing data with law enforcement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.404media.co/home-depot-and-lowes-share-data-from-hundreds-of-ai-cameras-with-cops/ |title=Home Depot and Lowe's Share Data From Hundreds of AI Cameras With Cops |first=Jason |last=Koebler |date=6 Aug 2025 |work=404 Media |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823135847/https://www.404media.co/home-depot-and-lowes-share-data-from-hundreds-of-ai-cameras-with-cops/ |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Contracts include automatic renewal clauses and limit municipal oversight capabilities, with cities unable to audit system operations or control how other agencies use shared data.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aclu.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/flock_1.pdf |title=How to Pump the Brakes on Your Police Department's Use of Flock's Mass Surveillance License Plate Readers |work=American Civil Liberties Union |date=2024 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126201758/https://www.aclu.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/flock_1.pdf |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>

====Market control====
Flock Safety has rapidly expanded to become a dominant force in automated license plate recognition, operating in 49 states with over 40,000 cameras deployed. The company's network effect creates pressure for additional jurisdictions to join, as law enforcement effectiveness depends on network coverage. Several states have begun restricting access following privacy violations, with California, Illinois, and New York limiting data sharing after immigration and abortion-related tracking incidents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.michaelrcronin.com/post/flock-blocks-ice-from-license-plate-reader-access-in-several-states |title='Flock' Blocks ICE from License Plate Reader Access in Several States |work=Yes You Can Go |date=2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112062510/https://www.michaelrcronin.com/post/flock-blocks-ice-from-license-plate-reader-access-in-several-states |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Premise of a "license plate camera"===
While marketed as "license plate readers,"' Flock cameras use what the company calls "Vehicle Fingerprint" technology which tracks vehicles using characteristics beyond just license plates. The system catalogs vehicles based on numerous distinguishing features including make, model, color, bumper stickers, dents, damage patterns, roof racks, aftermarket modifications such as wheels or spoilers, window stickers, and even mismatching paint colors.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date= |title=LPR Cameras |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/YWYB6 |archive-date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Oct 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>. According to Flock's own marketing materials, the system can identify vehicles even when license plates cannot be captured, advertised as turning "images into actionable evidence — no plate required."<ref>{{Cite web |title=License Plate Readers |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.ph/YWYB6 |archive-date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>

Flock claims this capability is ''"unique among ALPR systems"'' and allows law enforcement to search for vehicles based on these characteristics even without a visible license plate.

This technology changes the nature of the surveillance from license plate reading to comprehensive vehicle tracking. A person could still be tracked by the unique combination of their vehicle's physical characteristics. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns that these ''"vehicle fingerprints"'' could flag vehicles based on political bumper stickers, revealing ''"information on the political or social views of the driver,"'' or economic indicators like rust or damage, potentially "endangering anyone who might not feel the need (or have the income required) to keep their car in perfect shape."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-14 |title=Things to Know Before Your Neighborhood Installs an Automated License Plate Reader |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/09/flock-license-plate-reader-homeowners-association-safe-problems |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Electronic Frontier Foundation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221033709/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/09/flock-license-plate-reader-homeowners-association-safe-problems |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Privacy advocates note that this expanded tracking capability makes the term ''"license plate reader"'' misleading, as Flock systems create detailed vehicle profiles that persist even without readable plates. It turns any distinguishing feature of a vehicle into a tracking identifier.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stop Flock |url=https://www.stopflock.com/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Stop Flock |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251222060644/https://stopflock.com/ |archive-date=22 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Patent for person identification by race and physical characteristics==
A U.S. Patent granted to Flock Group Inc. in August 2022 reveals the company has developed and patented technology to identify and classify people based on race, gender, and other physical characteristics.<ref name="patent11416545">{{Cite web |url=https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/77/9a/03/7b3b26499077d4/US11416545.pdf |title=System and Method for Object Based Query of Video Content Captured by a Dynamic Surveillance Network |website=United States Patent and Trademark Office |date=16 Aug 2022 |access-date=21 Jan 2025 |format=PDF |first1=Garrett |last1=Langley |first2=Matt |last2=Feury  |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202115638/https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/77/9a/03/7b3b26499077d4/US11416545.pdf |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref> Patent US 11,416,545 B1 describes a system that goes beyond vehicle identification to analyze human subjects captured in surveillance footage.

According to the patent documentation, when the system identifies a human being in captured footage, it uses neural network modules specifically configured to classify people by "male, female, race, etc." The patent further describes using additional neural networks to identify clothing types, estimate height and weight, and other physical characteristics of individuals.<ref name="patent11416545" /> The system can then store this classification data in searchable databases, allowing law enforcement to query for people based on these physical attributes.

The patent shows that Flock's technology is designed to create comprehensive profiles that can track individuals across multiple camera locations by matching physical characteristics. While Flock publicly markets its products as ''"license plate readers"'' focused on vehicles, this patent demonstrates the company has developed capabilities for detailed human surveillance and classification by protected characteristics including race and gender.<ref name="patent11416545" />

Privacy and civil-liberties advocates have warned that biometric/appearance-based identification and classification—especially along race and gender lines—can enable discriminatory policing and amplify harms from demographic bias and misidentification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How is Face Recognition Surveillance Technology Racist? |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=2020-06-16 |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/how-is-face-recognition-surveillance-technology-racist |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045330/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/how-is-face-recognition-surveillance-technology-racist |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NIST Study Evaluates Effects of Race, Age, Sex on Face Recognition Software |website=National Institute of Standards and Technology |date=2019-12-19 |url=https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/12/nist-study-evaluates-effects-race-age-sex-face-recognition-software |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213231602/https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/12/nist-study-evaluates-effects-race-age-sex-face-recognition-software |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref> In that context, the Flock Group patent’s explicit discussion of classifying people by attributes including “race” and “male/female” suggests capabilities that extend beyond vehicle identification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US11416545B1 - System and method for object based query of video content captured by a dynamic surveillance network |website=Google Patents |date=2022-08-16 |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US11416545B1 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204132539/https://patents.google.com/patent/US11416545B1 |archive-date=4 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Legal challenges==

===Washington state judge declares Flock footage as public records ''(6 Nov 2025)''===
An Oregon resident filed public records requests at various police departments in the state of Washington regarding information collected from Flock cameras. The cities of Stanwood and Sedro-Woolley filed a motion to reject the resident's request, with their attorney stating that publicizing Flock footage may be a violation of privacy that could lead to stalking.

Some exemptions are given to deny public records request, particularly due to investigations. However, the judge dismissed the motion, declaring that the camera footage was "so broad and indiscriminate" with no distinction between criminal activity and casual civilian activity that the data had to be released to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingalls |first=Chris |date=6 Nov 2025 |title=Judge orders police to release surveillance camera data, raising privacy questions |url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/investigators/judge-orders-washington-police-release-surveillance-camera-data-privacy-questions/281-c2037d52-6afb-4bf7-95ad-0eceaf477864 |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |website=KING5 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251110233248/https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/investigators/judge-orders-washington-police-release-surveillance-camera-data-privacy-questions/281-c2037d52-6afb-4bf7-95ad-0eceaf477864 |archive-date=10 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Jenna |date=6 Nov 2025 |title=Judge denies request to exempt Flock footage from Public Records Act |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/judge-denies-request-to-exempt-flock-footage-from-public-records-act/ |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |website=Herald Net |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226145253/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/judge-denies-request-to-exempt-flock-footage-from-public-records-act/ |archive-date=26 Dec 2025}}</ref>

The judge stated:<ref name=":5" /><blockquote>“I do think that the information at stake does have serious privacy implications, but that’s not the analysis for the intelligence information exemption,” she said. “You also have to make a finding that this is specific intelligence information that is compiled by investigative or law enforcement agencies, and the information that’s being compiled here does not relate to a specific case or investigation. The public already knows that these cameras exist and are operated. Many of them are in sight. The information does not disclose particular methods or procedures for gathering or evaluating intelligence information.” </blockquote>

===Norfolk federal lawsuit ''(February 2025)''===
In February 2025, Chief Judge Mark S. Davis of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia denied Norfolk's motion to dismiss a landmark Fourth Amendment lawsuit. The case involves two residents whose vehicles were tracked 526 times in 4.5 months and 849 times over the same period, figures revealed in a September 2025 court filing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399|title=Virginia police used Flock cameras to track driver 526 times in 4 months, lawsuit says|work=NBC News|date=2025-09-18|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002237/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Norfolk installed 172 Flock Safety cameras in 2023 at a cost of $430,000-$516,000 annually. Police Chief Mark Talbot stated the goal was making it ''"difficult to drive anywhere of any distance without running into a camera somewhere."''<ref name="norfolk" />

Judge Davis's ruling relied on ''Carpenter v. United States'', the 2018 Supreme Court decision requiring warrants for historical cell phone location data. The court found Norfolk's ALPR network "notably similar" to the surveillance the Supreme Court deemed unconstitutional. However, courts remain divided. In November 2024, Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne in the same district denied a motion to suppress Flock evidence, holding that three vehicle snapshots don't constitute "persistent surveillance" requiring a warrant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://valawyersweekly.com/2024/11/11/mosaic-theory-rejected-flock-camera-evidence-does-not-violate-fourth-amendment/|title='Mosaic theory' rejected: Flock camera evidence does not violate Fourth Amendment|website=Virginia Lawyers Weekly|date=2024-11-11|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208113511/https://valawyersweekly.com/2024/11/11/mosaic-theory-rejected-flock-camera-evidence-does-not-violate-fourth-amendment/ |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Virginia state courts show similar disagreement. Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Jamilah LeCruise granted a suppression motion in May 2024, finding that the breadth of Flock cameras covering Norfolk requires a warrant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/virginia-judge-rejects-alpr-evidence-without-warrant|title=Virginia Judge Rejects ALPR Evidence Without Warrant|website=Government Technology|date=2024-05-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213050025/https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/virginia-judge-rejects-alpr-evidence-without-warrant |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> Yet three other Norfolk circuit court judges denied similar motions in 2024.

===State regulatory landscape===
Only 16 states have enacted any form of ALPR regulation as of 2024 according to University of Michigan research.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse|title=Automated License Plate Readers widely used, subject to abuse|website=University of Michigan|date=2023|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112852/https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> Virginia enacted House Bill 2724 in 2025 creating annual reporting requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vscc.virginia.gov/Annual%20Reports/2024%20VSCC%20Annual%20Report%20-Law%20Enforcement%20Use%20of%20ALPR.pdf|title=2024 VSCC Annual Report - Law Enforcement Use of ALPR|website=Virginia State Crime Commission|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207225650/https://vscc.virginia.gov/Annual%20Reports/2024%20VSCC%20Annual%20Report%20-Law%20Enforcement%20Use%20of%20ALPR.pdf |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref> Illinois Public Act 103-0540 explicitly prohibits use for reproductive healthcare punishment and immigration investigations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/103/103-0540.htm|title=Public Act 103-0540|website=Illinois General Assembly|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250223092503/https://ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/103/103-0540.htm |archive-date=23 Feb 2025}}</ref>

Illinois prohibits law enforcement agencies from sharing ALPR data with other jurisdictions in relation to a person's immigration status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Act 103-0540 |url=https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/103/PDF/103-0540.pdf |url-status=usurped |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Illinois General Assembly |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251031232338/https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/103/PDF/103-0540.pdf |archive-date=31 Oct 2025}}</ref> New Hampshire requires a three-minute purge of data from ALPR use with the exception of ongoing investigations. <ref>{{Cite web |title=261:75-b Use of Number Plate Scanning Devices Regulated. |url=https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/title-xxi/chapter-261/section-261-75-b/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=New Hampshire General Court}}</ref>

California’s SB 34 requires public agencies using ALPR systems to implement usage and privacy policies as well as limits to data sharing. <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB34 |title=SB-34 Automated license plate recognition systems: use of data |work=California Legislative Information |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251220181318/https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB34 |archive-date=20 Dec 2025}}</ref> However, enforcement remains inconsistent, with a 2020 state audit finding widespread non-compliance.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/index.html |title=Automated License Plate Readers |work=California State Auditor |date=13 Feb 2020 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230930215217/https://auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/index.html |archive-date=30 Sep 2023}}</ref>

==Notable incidents==

====Illinois audit findings (2024-2025)====
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced in late August 2024 that Flock Safety violated state law by allowing U.S. Customs and Border Protection to access Illinois license plate data for immigration enforcement.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-08-25 |title=Flock Safety's Response to Illinois LPR Data Use and Out-of-State Sharing Concerns |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safetys-response-to-illinois-lpr-data-use-and-out-of-state-sharing-concerns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/XNzcS |archive-date=5 May 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Flock Safety}}</ref> The audit of 12 local law enforcement agencies revealed unauthorized pilot programs with CBP and Homeland Security Investigations, violating Illinois law prohibiting data sharing for immigration enforcement, gender-affirming care investigations, and abortion-related matters. Following the audit, 47 out-of-state agencies were removed from access to Illinois data.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/flock-pledges-changes-after-illinois-data-sharing-accusation|title=Flock Pledges Changes After Illinois Data-Sharing Accusation|website=Government Technology|date=2024-08-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002252/https://www.govtech.com/biz/flock-pledges-changes-after-illinois-data-sharing-accusation |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Mount Prospect, Illinois reported 262 immigration-related license plate reader searches in just the first few months of 2025. A Palos Heights detective shared Flock login credentials with a DEA agent who conducted 28 unauthorized searches of Oak Park ALPR data explicitly labeled "immigration violation."<ref name="dea">{{Cite web|url=https://unraveledpress.com/a-dea-agent-used-an-illinois-police-officers-flock-license-plate-reader-password-for-unauthorized-immigration-enforcement-searches/|title=DEA agent used Illinois cop's Flock license plate reader password for immigration enforcement searches|work=Unraveled Press|date=2025|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115628/https://unraveledpress.com/a-dea-agent-used-an-illinois-police-officers-flock-license-plate-reader-password-for-unauthorized-immigration-enforcement-searches/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref>

====California violations (2015-2025)====
California passed Senate Bill 34<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_201520160sb34|title=Senate Bill 34|access-date=2025-08-27 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114051856/https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_201520160sb34 |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref> in 2015 to limit how California police departments can use and share data collected from these cameras with other state's and federal law enforcement agencies. These limits have been found to be violated on several occasions with little enforcement or consequences for the misusing departments<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/23/california-police-sharing-flock-license-plate-data/|access-date=2025-08-27|title=California cops are breaking surveillance laws|website=San Francisco Standard|date=2025-07-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118202113/https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/23/california-police-sharing-flock-license-plate-data/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref>.

A 2023 EFF investigation found 71 California police agencies in 22 counties illegally shared data with out-of-state law enforcement. San Francisco Police Department alone allowed 1.6 million illegal searches by out-of-state agencies from 2024-2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/08/sfpd-flock-alpr-ice-data-sharing/|title=SFPD let Georgia, Texas cops illegally search city surveillance data on behalf of ICE|website=San Francisco Standard|date=2025-09-08|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118202113/https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/08/sfpd-flock-alpr-ice-data-sharing/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref> The California Attorney General filed the first enforcement action against the City of El Cajon in 2025 for sharing with 26 states.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-el-cajon-illegally-sharing-license-plate-data-out|title=Attorney General Bonta Sues El Cajon for Illegally Sharing License Plate Data|website=California DOJ|date=2025|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219035817/https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-el-cajon-illegally-sharing-license-plate-data-out |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===False positive incidents===

====Families detained at gunpoint====
In Española, New Mexico, 21-year-old Jaclynn Gonzales and her 12-year-old sister were held at gunpoint and handcuffed after Flock's system mistook a "2" for a "7" on their license plate, falsely flagging their vehicle as stolen.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-28 |title=License plate cover leads to traffic stop mishap |url=https://www.koat.com/article/espanola-police-license-plate-stolen-cover-traffic-stop/45361740|website=KOAT|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203063901/https://www.koat.com/article/espanola-police-license-plate-stolen-cover-traffic-stop/45361740 |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Flock Safety: Eroding Your Privacy & Keeping You Safe with Surveillance |url=https://redact.dev/blog/flock-safety-lpr-privacy-surveillance/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Redact |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045516/https://redact.dev/blog/flock-safety-lpr-privacy-surveillance/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

ALPR systems often misread license plates according to multiple investigations, leading to hardship & legal trouble for innocent civilians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/11/human-toll-alpr-errors|title=The Human Toll of ALPR Errors|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|date=2024-11-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217071819/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/11/human-toll-alpr-errors |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>

===Law enforcement stalking incidents===

In October 2022, Kechi, Kansas Police Lieutenant Victor Heiar was arrested and later pleaded guilty to computer crimes and stalking after using Flock cameras to track his estranged wife's movements over four months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/|title=Kechi police lieutenant arrested for using police technology to stalk wife|work=KWCH|date=2022-10-31|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216093439/https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> In a separate Kansas incident, Sedgwick Police Chief Lee Nygaard accessed Flock data 164 times to track his ex-girlfriend before resigning after admitting to the misuse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html|title=Kansas police chief used Flock license plate cameras 164 times to track ex-girlfriend|work=Yahoo News|date=2025|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124143444/https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Multiple other documented cases include Las Vegas Metro Officer Christopher Young arrested in December 2023 for stalking his ex-fiancée using police databases, and Riverside County Deputy Eric Piscatella pleading guilty in February 2024 to seven counts of misusing sheriff's department databases to stalk a woman he met at Coachella.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/?outputType=amp|title=Las Vegas police officer arrested for reportedly stalking ex-fiancée|website=FOX5 Vegas|date=2024-02-16|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213030246/https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/?outputType=amp |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Abortion and reproductive healthcare tracking===
In May 2025, Johnson County, Texas sheriff's deputies used Flock's network to track a woman suspected of self-managing an abortion. They conducted searches across 83,000+ Flock cameras nationwide with the explicit reason: "had an abortion, search for female." The search accessed cameras across multiple states including those where abortion is legal. The incident led Illinois officials to investigate and subsequently block 47+ out-of-state agencies from accessing Illinois ALPR data.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2025/06/13/after-finding-fetal-remains-north-texas-cops-used-camera-network-to-search-for-woman/|title=After finding fetal remains, North Texas cops used camera network to search for woman|work=The Dallas Morning News|date=2025-06-13|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045557/https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2025/06/13/after-finding-fetal-remains-north-texas-cops-used-camera-network-to-search-for-woman/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/05/she-got-abortion-so-texas-cop-used-83000-cameras-track-her-down|title=She Got an Abortion. So A Texas Cop Used 83,000 Cameras to Track Her Down|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|date=2025-05-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260125222243/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/05/she-got-abortion-so-texas-cop-used-83000-cameras-track-her-down |archive-date=25 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Investigations and court records show that some law enforcement officers have misused Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems for personal, non-investigative purposes, including stalking romantic partners or monitoring civilians. These incidents highlight weaknesses & lack of internal oversight, & the reliance on post-hoc audits rather than real-time safeguards.

In Menasha, Wisconsin, police officer Cristian Morales was charged in January 2026 with misconduct in office after allegedly using the department’s Flock ALPR system to track his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors alleged Morales conducted five unauthorized searches of his ex-partner’s vehicle in October 2025. According to the criminal complaint, Morales admitted he knew the searches were improper and cited “desperation and bad judgment.” He was placed on administrative leave, prohibited from accessing Flock systems, and released on a $10,000 cash bond pending further proceedings. Court records also show a related civil filing seeking a temporary restraining order in a domestic abuse case.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kerhin |first=Brian |date=2026-01-09 |title=Menasha police officer accused of using license plate recognition system to track his ex |url=https://fox11online.com/news/crime/menasha-police-officer-accused-of-using-license-plate-recognition-system-to-track-his-ex |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/V8GGF |archive-date=13 January 2026 |work=FOX 11 News}}</ref>

The Menasha case matches what is becoming a national pattern. In Kansas, Kechi Police Lieutenant Victor Heiar pleaded guilty in 2022 to computer crimes & stalking after using Flock cameras to monitor his estranged wife’s movements over several months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Joe |date=2022-10-31 |title=Kechi police lieutenant arrested for using police technology to stalk wife |url=https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216093439/https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |work=KWCH}}</ref> In another Kansas incident, Sedgwick Police Chief Lee Nygaard admitted in 2025 to accessing Flock ALPR data more than 160 times to track his ex-girlfriend and her new partner, resulting in his resignation and loss of police certification.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stavola |first=Michael |date=August 17, 2024 |title=Kansas police chief used Flock license plate cameras to track ex-girlfriend |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124143444/https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-date=24 Jan 2026 |work=Yahoo News}}</ref>

More cases involving other surveillance systems show a similar misuse. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer Christopher Young was arrested in 2023 for stalking his ex-fiancée using police databases, and in California, Riverside County deputy Eric Piscatella pleaded guilty in 2024 to multiple counts of misusing sheriff’s department databases to stalk a woman he met while off duty.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCandless |first=C.C. |date=2024-02-16 |title=Las Vegas police officer arrested for reportedly stalking ex-fiancée |url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240907035401/https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2024 |work=FOX5 Vegas}}</ref>

Oversight reviews & civil liberties organizations have noted that ALPR systems enable quick searches of historical vehicle location data across wide geographic areas. This reduces practical barriers to stalking & increases the risk of abuse by authorized users. While Flock & participating agencies rely on usage policies & access logs, many cases show misuse was detected only after complaints or later audits rather than through proactive safeguards.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Automated License Plate Readers widely used, subject to abuse |url=https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112852/https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-date=5 Feb 2026 |work=University of Michigan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=Nikki |date=April 16, 2024 |title=ALPR Audit Takeaways: What We Learned About Policy Gaps |url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002217/https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-date=26 Dec 2025 |work=Government Technology}}</ref>

===Federal agency access===
Immigration and Customs Enforcement maintains a $6.1 million contract giving 9,000+ ICE officers access to the Vigilant Solutions ALPR database containing over 5 billion location data points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/documents-reveal-ice-using-driver-location-data|title=Documents Reveal ICE Using Driver Location Data From Local Police for Deportations|website=ACLU|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220150454/https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/documents-reveal-ice-using-driver-location-data |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> The Drug Enforcement Administration operates a National License Plate Reader Program with over 10,000 license plate readers shared throughout the United States. 404 Media revealed over 4,000 searches by local and state police for federal immigration enforcement purposes, despite Flock having no formal ICE contract.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |date=2025 |title=ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |url-access=registration |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=404 Media}}</ref> A DEA agent was found using an Illinois police officer's credentials to conduct unauthorized immigration searches.<ref name="dea" />

===Illegal Camera Installations===
In South Carolina, Flock installed over 200 cameras without authorization, leading to a statewide moratorium on new installations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferrara |first=David |date=2024-03-11 |title=A company installed license plate cameras without permission. SC agency wants clear rules |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/news/alpr-cameras-south-carolina-flock-safety-license-plate-readers/article_787a262a-dbd2-11ee-a901-634acead588b.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=The Post and Courier |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212144432/https://www.postandcourier.com/news/alpr-cameras-south-carolina-flock-safety-license-plate-readers/article_787a262a-dbd2-11ee-a901-634acead588b.html |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

In Illinois, a Flock representative allegedly threatened a Department of Transportation official with police pressure when questioned about permit applications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uprise RI Staff |date=2024-10-23 |title=As Flock Surveillance Cameras Proliferate in Rhode Island, Lawsuit Challenges Their Legality |url=https://upriseri.com/as-flock-surveillance-cameras-proliferate-in-rhode-island-lawsuit-challenges-their-legality/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=UPRISE RI |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241101064737/https://upriseri.com/as-flock-surveillance-cameras-proliferate-in-rhode-island-lawsuit-challenges-their-legality/ |archive-date=1 Nov 2024}}</ref>

=====Evanston, IL=====
Flock was ordered to remove 18 stationary cameras. The city put the contract with Flock on a 30-day termination notice on August 26. Flock Initially appeared to comply, removing 15 of the cameras by September 8. Later, Flock was caught reinstalling all of them by the following Tuesday without authorization from the city. The city of Evanston responded with a cease-and-desist order for Flock to remove the new and unauthorized camera equipment. Because Flock reinstalled the cameras without permission, Evanston was forced to cover the cameras with tape and bags to block them from potentially logging vehicle data.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Alex |date=2025-09-25 |title=City covers Flock cameras while waiting for removal |url=https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/09/25/city-covers-up-flock-cameras-while-waiting-for-removal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002233/https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/09/25/city-covers-up-flock-cameras-while-waiting-for-removal/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-10-10 |website=Evanston Roundtable}}</ref>

===City rejections and terminations===

Multiple cities have rejected or terminated Flock contracts following privacy concerns and effectiveness issues:

'''0.2% effectiveness rate, low arrests:''' Austin, Texas terminated its contract in July 2025 after an audit revealed "systematic compliance failures" and only 165 arrests from 113 million license plate scans (0.146% effectiveness rate).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/flock-ceo-responds-to-austin-backlash-as-city-contract-nears-expiration|title=Flock CEO responds to Austin backlash as city contract nears expiration|work=CBS Austin|date=2025-06-21|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216120645/https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/flock-ceo-responds-to-austin-backlash-as-city-contract-nears-expiration |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Denver City Council unanimously rejected a $666,000 contract extension in May 2025 following revelations of 1,400+ ICE-related searches in Colorado data.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zialcita |first=Paolo |last2=Harris |first2=Kyle |date=2025-05-05 |title=Denver rejects $666,000 extension for license-plate surveillance cameras after backlash |url=https://denverite.com/2025/05/05/denver-rejects-flock-camera-license-plate-readers/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216120658/https://denverite.com/2025/05/05/denver-rejects-flock-camera-license-plate-readers/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Denverite}}</ref>

San Marcos, Texas voted 5-2 to deny camera expansion after discovering no required audits had been conducted since 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Velez |first=Abigail |date=2025-06-04 |title=San Marcos City Council votes to deny flock camera expansion after hours of heated debate |url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/san-marcos-city-council-votes-to-deny-flock-camera-expansion-after-hours-of-heated-debate |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=CBS Austin |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251122133613/https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/san-marcos-city-council-votes-to-deny-flock-camera-expansion-after-hours-of-heated-debate |archive-date=22 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Oak Park, Illinois terminated their contract entirely following the Illinois investigation into illegal data sharing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heffernan |first=Brendan |date=2025-08-07 |title=Oak Park terminates Flock license plate reader contract |url=https://www.oakpark.com/2025/08/07/oak-park-terminates-flock-license-plate-reader-contract/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115622/https://www.oakpark.com/2025/08/07/oak-park-terminates-flock-license-plate-reader-contract/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Wednesday Journal}}</ref>

===Arizona deployments===
Sedona, Arizona became the first Arizona city to completely terminate its Flock Safety contract in September 2025 after citizen backlash. The city had installed 11 cameras in June 2025 without prior public notice at a cost of $51,146 for the first year. The council voted 5-1 to pause the program, then unanimously 7-0 on September 9 to permanently terminate after Flock CEO Garrett Langley admitted the company had been sharing data with federal agencies. Vice Mayor Holli Ploog called Flock "not an honorable company" for the conflicting data-sharing claims.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/sedona-pulls-the-plug-on-flock-safety|title=Sedona Pulls the Plug on Flock Safety|website=West Valley Families|date=2025-09-10|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209130335/https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/sedona-pulls-the-plug-on-flock-safety |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Skabelund |first=Adrian |date=2025-09-11 |title=Sedona council permanently ends license plate camera program |url=https://www.knau.org/knau-and-arizona-news/2025-09-11/sedona-council-permanently-ends-license-plate-camera-program |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212215752/https://www.knau.org/knau-and-arizona-news/2025-09-11/sedona-council-permanently-ends-license-plate-camera-program |archive-date=12 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=KNAU}}</ref>

Flagstaff deployed 32 Flock cameras in summer 2024 at a cost of $143,100 annually. By September 2025, a petition signed by 25+ residents demanded cancellation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Marizco |first=Michel |date=2025-09-01 |title=After Sedona paused Flock Safety camera system, Flagstaff is considering the same issue |url=https://www.kjzz.org/fronteras-desk/2025-09-01/after-sedona-paused-flock-safety-camera-system-flagstaff-is-considering-the-same-issue |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045803/https://www.kjzz.org/fronteras-desk/2025-09-01/after-sedona-paused-flock-safety-camera-system-flagstaff-is-considering-the-same-issue |archive-date=23 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=KJZZ}}</ref>

University of Arizona contracted with Flock in February 2025 for 54 ALPR cameras at $160,000 annually. Students and faculty launched a "Deflock Tucson" campaign citing concerns about tracking international students and potential data sharing with federal immigration authorities.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kunichoff |first=Yana |date=2025-09-15 |title=UA students and faculty question use of Flock Safety cameras on campus |url=https://azluminaria.org/2025/09/15/ua-students-and-faculty-question-use-of-flock-safety-cameras-on-campus/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002242/https://azluminaria.org/2025/09/15/ua-students-and-faculty-question-use-of-flock-safety-cameras-on-campus/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=AZ Luminaria}}</ref>

Casa Grande approved a $10 million "Safe City Initiative" in September 2025 including 100 license plate readers. Chief Mark McCrory reported the current 22 license plate readers led to 212 stolen vehicles identified and 168 arrests.<ref>{{cite web |last=Iverson |first=David |date=2025 |title=We mapped the city's Flock cameras |url=https://www.inmaricopa.com/we-mapped-all-flock-cameras/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002923/https://inmaricopa.com/we-mapped-all-flock-cameras/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=InMaricopa}}</ref>

Despite documented deployments across Arizona including Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Surprise, Youngtown, Litchfield Park, and Yuma, the state has no ALPR-specific regulation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grauer |first=Yael |date=2019-07-08 |title=How do automated license plate readers work? |url=https://azmirror.com/2019/07/08/how-do-automated-license-plate-readers-work/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114035603/https://azmirror.com/2019/07/08/how-do-automated-license-plate-readers-work/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Arizona Mirror}}</ref>

==Security vulnerabilities==
In 2025, Flock Safety reported security vulnerabilities in its devices and submitted them to MITRE for inclusion in the National Vulnerability Database, including issues such as hard-coded credentials and improper access controls.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-05 |title=Gunshot Detection and License Plate Reader Security Alert |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/gunshot-detection-and-license-plate-reader-security-alert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/2DEQv |archive-date=5 May 2026 |website=Flock Safety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-02 |title=CVE-2025-59403 : The Flock Safety Android Collins application (aka com.flocksafety.android.collin |url=https://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2025-59403/ |website=CVEdetails.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207014907/https://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2025-59403/ |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref> Similar security concerns have affected other ALPR systems, including exposure of default passwords and unencrypted data storage.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Quintin |first=Cooper |date=28 Oct 2015 |title=License Plate Readers Exposed! How Public Safety Agencies Responded to Major Vulnerabilities in Vehicle Surveillance Tech |url=https://www.eff.org/ur/deeplinks/2015/10/license-plate-readers-exposed-how-public-safety-agencies-responded-massive |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210130106/https://www.eff.org/ur/deeplinks/2015/10/license-plate-readers-exposed-how-public-safety-agencies-responded-massive |archive-date=10 Dec 2025}}</ref>

This represents one of several major security disclosures in the past decade. In 2015, the Electronic Frontier Foundation documented more than 100 ALPR cameras accessible on the open internet, often without passwords or proper configuration.<ref name=":4" /> A more serious documented breach occurred in 2019, when Perceptics, LLC, a subcontractor for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, exposed approximately 105,000 license plate images and 184,000 traveler facial images.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Review of CBP's Major Cybersecurity Incident During a 2019 Biometric Pilot |url=https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2020-09/OIG-20-71-Sep20.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121195004/https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2020-09/OIG-20-71-Sep20.pdf |archive-date=21 Jan 2026}}</ref>

In 2025 it has been discovered that the cameras run [[wikipedia:Android_Oreo|Android 8.0 (Oreo)]] an operating system with 90 security vulnerabilities. The cameras also send data unencrypted and are easily tricked by stingrays. The compute boxes have easily accessible USB-c ports leaving the device vulnerable to rubber duckies. When the power button is pressed in a specific order the device emits a Wi-Fi hotspot that can be used to gain [[wikipedia:Android_Debug_Bridge|ADB]] access.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benn |first=Jordan |date=2025-11-16 |title=We Hacked Flock Safety Cameras in under 30 Seconds. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0gr7Fh6lY |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=uB0gr7Fh6lY |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Government accountability and oversight==

===State audit findings===
California State Auditor's February 2020 investigation found the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), with a 320 million image database, had no ALPR-specific policy at all. The audit found 96% of agencies claim to have policies, but most are incomplete. Data retention periods varied wildly with no justification. LAPD maintained a minimum five-year retention period, yet couldn't demonstrate that images stored for years had investigative value. The audit found that 99.9% of the 320 million images Los Angeles stores are for vehicles that were not on a "hot list" when the image was made.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://information.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/summary.html |title=Automated License Plate Readers |website=California State Auditor |date=13 Feb 2020 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113154443/https://information.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/summary.html |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref>

New Jersey provides a contrasting model with mandatory annual audits of all 523 law enforcement agencies. The 2024 audit reported only two significant violations, both involving users who hadn't completed required training.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=2024 Audit of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Data |url=https://nj.gov/njsp/ALPR/pdf/2024_Audit_Automated_License_Plate_Recognition_(ALPR)_Data_Collected_Utilized_NJ_Law_Enforcement_Agencies.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207224414/https://nj.gov/njsp/ALPR/pdf/2024_Audit_Automated_License_Plate_Recognition_(ALPR)_Data_Collected_Utilized_NJ_Law_Enforcement_Agencies.pdf |archive-date=7 Dec 2025 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |website=New Jersey State Police |format=PDF}}</ref>

A Government Technology analysis found that agencies often fail to audit ALPR systems regularly, leaving them "open to abuse by neglecting to institute sufficient oversight."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Nikki |date=2024 |title=ALPR Audit Takeaways: What We Learned About Policy Gaps |url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002217/https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-date=26 Dec 2025 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |website=Government Technology}}</ref>

===Cost-benefit analysis===
Arizona Department of Transportation's 2008 study of generic ALPR technology (predating Flock Safety by nine years) estimated $9.98 million for a hypothetical statewide ALPR system. The projected benefit-to-cost ratio of 9.6:1 came entirely from registration and insurance compliance, not crime reduction.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/PDF/AZ637.pdf |title=Automated License Plate Recognition Technology Implementation Report |website=Arizona Department of Transportation |date=1 Jun 2008 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208050300/https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/pdf/az637.pdf |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Colorado's Office of Research and Statistics reported that while ALPR systems are expanding, independent academic research contradicts vendor claims. A 2011 George Mason University study concluded ALPRs "do not achieve a prevention or deterrent effect" on crime.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/Docs/Briefs/2024-05_InDetail-ALPR.pdf |title=Automated License Plate Readers (In Detail) |website=Colorado Division of Criminal Justice |date=1 May 2024 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212210653/https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/Docs/Briefs/2024-05_InDetail-ALPR.pdf |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Oakland Police Department reported 182 arrests from ALPR in the first year, representing 1.4% of homicides, robberies, burglaries, and firearm assaults. The Northern California Regional Intelligence Center states approximately 1-2 vehicles out of 1,000 initiate alerts — a hit rate of just 0.1-0.2%.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ncric.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/California-Law-Enforcement-ALPR-FAQ.pdf |title=California Law Enforcement ALPR FAQ |website=NCRIC |date=2021 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219214745/https://ncric.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/California-Law-Enforcement-ALPR-FAQ.pdf |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Mountain View Findings===

The Mountain View Police Department became aware in early January in 2026 during a department-initiated audit that for a brief period in 2024 federal agencies accessed data from the first camera in operation in the city.

“During the prior federal administration, from August to November 2024, several federal law enforcement agencies accessed Mountain View’s Flock Safety ALPR system for one camera via a 'nationwide' search setting that was turned on by Flock Safety. This setting was enabled without MVPD’s permission or knowledge. The federal agencies that accessed the one camera’s data include Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offices in Kentucky and Nashville, TN; Langley Air Force Base in Virginia; the U.S. GSA Office of Inspector General; Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada; and an Ohio Air Force Base. Flock Safety did not retain records for that time period, which means the vendor cannot determine whether searches of Mountain View’s data resulted in license plate information being shared.”<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-30 |title=City Statement {{!}} City News {{!}} Mountain View, CA |url=https://www.mountainview.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1203/284 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/CDZ2Y |archive-date=2026-02-07 |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=mountainview.gov}}</ref>

MVPD officers also uncovered that “statewide lookup” had been turned on for all the city’s cameras since the program began. This feature has been turned off by the department on January 5, 2026. The MVPD plans to present a review of the ALPR pilot program to the City Council.

On February 2, 2026 Mountain View Police Chief Mike Canfield announced that all of the city's license plate cameras are being disabled, effective immediately.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Margaretten |first=Emily |last2=Morgan |first2=Zoe |date=2026-01-30 |title=Mountain View discovers unauthorized access to license plate data |url=https://www.mv-voice.com/police/2026/01/30/amid-immigration-crackdown-mountain-view-discovers-unauthorized-access-to-license-plate-data/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222220813/https://www.mv-voice.com/police/2026/01/30/amid-immigration-crackdown-mountain-view-discovers-unauthorized-access-to-license-plate-data/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2026-02-07 |website=Mountain View Voice}}</ref>

==Camera locations==
The locations of many Flock Cameras have been mapped by the OpenStreetMap project. A viewer of the locations of these cameras is located here: [https://deflock.me/map ALPR Map | DeFlock]

====Cease and desist to DeFlock.me====
DeFlock.org (formally DeFlock.me) is a website allowing users to log and view the locations of ALPRs, such as Flock products. On 30 January 2025, Flock sent a cease and desist notice to the owner of DeFlock demanding the name of the website be changed to exclude the company's brand name. The letter also stated that "the Website also implies that various license plate readers are vulnerable to security hacks [...]" which Flock alleged "[...] provides a false impression about the security of Flock Products."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matz |first=Sarah M. |title=2025 01 31 DEFLOCK CD final |url=https://www.eff.org/files/2025/02/26/2025_01_31_deflock_cd_ex-3.pdf |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=30 Jan 2025 |access-date=27 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251020035804/https://www.eff.org/files/2025/02/26/2025_01_31_deflock_cd_ex-3.pdf |archive-date=20 Oct 2025}}</ref>

==External links==
*[https://deflock.me/ DeFlock live map of active ALPRs]
*[https://www.noalprs.org/ No ALPRS movement in United States]
*[https://plateprivacy.com/ The Plate Privacy Project]
*[https://eyesonflock.com/ Eyes On Flock]
*[https://wiki.alprwatch.org/index.php/Main_Page ALPR Watch Wiki]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Automatic license plate readers]]
[[Category:Flock Safety]]

File:Agri-stats-logo-920.png

2026-05-06T03:58:28Z

Sojourna: Added missing category.

==Licensing==
{{Fairuse}}

[[Category:Logo]]

Google

2026-05-06T03:57:50Z

Sojourna: Remembered what that other reason was that I forgot.

{{Cleanup|Issue 1=Article formatting should follow [[Template:CompanyPreload]]. With Google's history, it may be useful to use tabling for incidents.|Issue 2=Citations need to follow proper formatting. See [[Template:Cite web]].|Issue 3=Citations should be placed after punctuation.|Issue 4=Make sure that section headers are in sentence case where applicable.}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1998
|Industry=Technology
|Logo=Google.webp
|ParentCompany=Alphabet Inc.
|Type=Subsidiary
|Description=Google is one of the most influential technology companies in the world, originally known for developing the most widely used search engine.
|Website=https://www.google.com/
}}

'''{{Wplink|Google|Google LLC}}''', founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is one of the most influential technology companies in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest tech companies by market cap |url=https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |url-status=live |website=companiesmarketcap.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222070659/https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> Originally developed as a search engine to organize and index the growing amount of information on the internet, Google has since expanded into a wide range of services and products, becoming a central player in digital advertising, software, hardware, and cloud computing.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Google Products |url=https://about.google/products/ |access-date=10 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128182647/https://about.google/products/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Google's search engine remains its most well-known service, but the company has significantly diversified its offerings. Key products include the [[Android]] operating system, the [[Google Chrome]] web browser, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Drive Google Drive] for cloud storage, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Maps Google Maps], [[YouTube]], and [[wikipedia:Google_Play|Google Play]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Helpful products, built with you in mind |url=https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205114442/https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>{{Citation needed}} Additionally, the company provides digital advertising services through Google Ads, generating the majority of its revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Feb 2025 |title=Alphabet Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results |url=https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251002181452/https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |archive-date=2 Oct 2025}}</ref> In recent years, Google has also developed hardware products such as the Pixel smartphone and Nest smart home devices.

Google has faced ongoing scrutiny related to data privacy, competition, and its dominant position in the market, such concerns have stretched as far back as 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Adam |date=5 Mar 2012 |title=Will We Ever Get Strong Internet Privacy Rules? |url=https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Time |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205121437/https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Sep 2023 |title=REPORT: Google at 25: From “Don’t Be Evil” To ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ |url=https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Tech Oversight Project |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> The company has been the subject of various legal and regulatory challenges, particularly concerning antitrust issues, the use of personal data, and its impact on consumer choice.{{Citation needed}} The US government is currently engaged in an antitrust lawsuit against Google, with a decision expected early 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Nov 2024 |title=Closing Arguments, November 25: Once, Twice, Three Times a Monopolist |url=https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=US v Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906103632/https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref> {{UpdateNeeded|date={{subst:August}} {{subst:2025}}|reason=We need updates on this situation.}}

In December 2024, Google announced to organisations that use its advertising products, that from 16 February 2025, it will no longer prohibit them from employing [[wikipedia:Fingerprint_(computing)|fingerprinting]] techniques.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almond |first=Stephen |date=19 Dec 2024 |title=Our response to Google’s policy change on fingerprinting |url=https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ico. |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128163957/https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Anti-consumer incidents==

===Service shutdowns===

====Google Play Music shutdown====
[[wikipedia:Google_Play_Music|Google Play Music]] was a service that allowed users to purchase music, listen via streaming, and download to the local device; alternatively users could pay for a subscription to listen to all music available through streaming. It was publicly launched on the 16th November 2011 and later shutdown in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=Google Play Music, Music Play Store & Music Manager are going away – everything you need to know |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=28 Oct 2020 |title=RIP Google Play Music, 2011 – 2020 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251214224205/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref> Google Play Music further allowed users to upload their own songs to listen on all their devices, with a limit of up to 50,000 files.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=11 Jan 2017 |title=How to Upload Your Music Library to Google Play Music |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=How-To-Geek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> Users were able to purchase songs individually or buy whole albums that they could then download and listen to, or stream through the internet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2020 |title=How To Buy Music From Google Play (Now YouTube Music) |url=https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Technobezz |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250805235415/https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |archive-date=5 Aug 2025}}</ref>

In October 2020, Google announced that they would be shutting down Google Play Music, with it being fully shut down by December.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Abner |date=3 Dec 2020 |title=Google fully shuts down Play Music around the world |url=https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=9To5Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708163846/https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This went ahead with a warning to their users to begin migrating to [[wikipedia:YouTube_Music|YouTube Music]], and that they would be losing access to their purchased songs. Google recommended users should download their purchased songs before the service would shut down.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=YouTube Music will replace Google Play Music by end of 2020 |url=https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Official Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201140126/https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

After the shut down, users lost access to the music they paid for, with no way to download them. Google justified this by transferring all playlists and purchase history to YouTube Music, and only refunding songs that were not directly available,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Oct 2023 |title=What happened to my songs on Google Music? |url=https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Darwin's Data |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223930/https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaney |first=Sarah |date=5 Feb 2022 |title=What Happened to Google Play Music? |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=MUO |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205111318/https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> with no guarantee that the songs will remain available through the new service. Users found that their purchased songs were no longer able to stream at 320kbps on YouTube Music compared to Google Play Music unless they paid for the monthly subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cutlack |first=Gary |date=23 Dec 2012 |title=Google Music UK: everything you need to know |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=TechRadar |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221115733/https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=L. Hald |first=Nicole |date=24 Mar 2025 |title=How Is YouTube Music Sound Quality in 2025? Is It Any Good? |url=https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=NoteBurner |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217143252/https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> If a user failed to initiate the transfer of their music library or locally download their songs by 24th February 2021, then they lost all access and all data associated with Google Play Music.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sodhi |first=Tanishka |date=8 Feb 2021 |title=Google Play Music Data Will Be Deleted on February 24: Here’s How to Transfer to YouTube Music |url=https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Gadgets 360 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112610/https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> YouTube Music does not provide the option to download songs as MP3s, with local downloads requiring an internet connection every 30 days to continue working offline.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Download music and podcasts to listen to offline |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223930/https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

====Google Stadia shutdown====
In January 2023, Google announced the shutdown of its cloud gaming service, Stadia, which was launched in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RIP Google Stadia: the latest news on the discontinued cloud gaming service |url=https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260101185119/https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |archive-date=1 Jan 2026}}</ref> Stadia required users to purchase games individually, unlike other gaming platforms that offer subscription-based access. Upon the service's closure, Google promised to refund consumers for their purchases, including both games and hardware. The refunds for games and software were issued automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravenscraft |first=Erin |date=10 Nov 2022 |title=Stadia Is Dying. Here’s What’s in Your Refund and How to Get It |url=https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Wired |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205115111/https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Stadia users were effectively renting access to games, as the platform did not allow for traditional ownership or offline play. With the service discontinued, consumers were left without access to the content they had purchased. Stadia users who had bought controllers and other peripherals for the service were also impacted by the shutdown. While Google offered refunds to customers, many Stadia consumers were left with equipment that no longer performs the advertised functions and limited recourse for repurposing or reselling their devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashworth |first=Mack |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Stadia Shut Down: How To Use Your Hardware Now Google’s Shutting It Down |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Game Revolution |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004224131/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

Google Stadia controllers were limited to Wi-Fi connectivity, however upon shut down they started offering an update to allow them to connect through Bluetooth, the update service website was scheduled to shut down on the 31st December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devine |first=Richard |date=17 Jan 2023 |title=Bluetooth support for Google Stadia Controller arrives — Here's how to enable it and play PC games |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Windows Central |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251109164004/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |archive-date=9 Nov 2025}}</ref>

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

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

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

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

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

===Google Assistant Third Party List Support===
On June 20th, 2023, Google disabled 3rd party list support for Google Assistant<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=2025-09-16 |title=Where are my old lists? |url=https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427212604/https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-date=2025-04-27}}</ref>. This feature allowed lists through 3rd party services such as AnyList or Todoist to be managed via Google Assistant. The only list provider available through Google Assistant after this change was Google Keep<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathur |first=Chandraveer |website=Android Police |date=2023-05-31 |title=Google Assistant is killing support for notes and lists integration with third-party apps |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218051543/https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/ |archive-date=18 Dec 2025}}</ref>.

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

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

===Blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps===
{{Main|Google blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps}}
On 25 August 2025, '''[[Google]]''' announced that starting in 2026 it will block the installation of Android apps from outside the Play Store unless the developer has verified their identity with Google. The policy will first roll out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, with global enforcement targeted for 2027.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Frey |first=Suzanne |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=A new layer of security for certified Android devices |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Android Developers Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128013331/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211509/https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> This marks a significant change to Android's long-standing support for sideloading apps.

Devices without [[Google Mobile Services]] or running [[wikipedia:List_of_custom_Android_distributions|custom ROMs]] are exempt.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829170329/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Register}}</ref> Critics argue this restricts user freedom, impacts independent developers, and may enable Google to block apps it disapproves of, such as ad-blockers, raising concerns about privacy and control over personal devices.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211440/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |first= |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=BleepingComputer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250829215120/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |archive-date=29 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Banning domain-blockers from Play Store===
Since 2013, Google has taken down all apps on G-Play that can block connections to arbitrary [[wikipedia:Domain_Name_System|domain-names]] via [https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/vpn the official VPN API], most of those apps being marketed as ad-blockers.<ref>https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-kicks-ad-blocker-apps-off-play-store/</ref> This forced apps such as AdGuard and NetGuard to distribute their ad-blocking features elsewhere.<ref>https://adguard.com/en/blog/adguard-google-play-removal.html</ref><ref>https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/7308869411ff87649bf3a46a9c7c08f1e5353801/ADBLOCKING.md?plain=1#L6</ref><ref>https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/7308869411ff87649bf3a46a9c7c08f1e5353801/ADBLOCKING.md?plain=1#L106</ref>

Google cites their own Developer Distribution Agreement (terms of service for devs), claiming that those apps are "disruptive", as if to imply hacking or cracking. Many people claim that's an invalid excuse, and that the ulterior motive was to increase ad-revenue.

===Pixel devices bricked due to confusing reasons===
Numerous Google Pixel phones have gotten bricked as a result of different use cases, such as accidentally switched slots, flashing custom ROMs, or downgrading the bootloader version of the device after an [[Anti-rollback/ARB for device firmware|Anti-Rollback (ARB)]] increment (accidentally or otherwise), or installing the June 2025 update.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=2025-08-26 |title=Some Pixels are bricked and Google apparently won't help revive them |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260108045933/https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |archive-date=8 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> The device enters an emergency download state called Pixel ROM Recovery, which is a Google modification of Samsung's EUB mode on Exynos chipsets. In this mode, it refuses to enter Android recovery or [[wikipedia:Fastboot|Fastboot]], making it near impossible to restore the operating system on the device. The only way to fix it is to use Pixel ROM Recovery to boot a special, Google-signed recovery bootloader into RAM and flash a working version of Android from there.

This recovery bootloader is just a regular bootloader as it appears in Google factory images, but with a special "USB boot" bit flag set to 1. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-11 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330#comment19 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112358/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>

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

Numerous developers have worked on trying to find a solution to this issue, and have succeeded to varying extents. However, devices bricked due to the ARB trigger remain impossible to fix. Google has not provided any recovery images to resolve this issue, despite there being a sizable post on their bug tracker.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-10 |title=Pixel recovery bootloaders lack security reasoning for guarding |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-12 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112358/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> despite the fact that Google providing the recovery images for the repair will not compromise security, as explained by one of the developers in their report.<ref name=":4" />

===Phone number requirement for new accounts===
Since 2020, Google has increasingly forced users to verify phone-numbers via SMS during account registration,<ref>https://support.google.com/accounts/thread/34403939/cannot-create-a-new-google-account-it-is-requiring-a-phone-number-forced-phone-verification</ref><ref>https://reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oanh2p/does_google_now_require_a_phone_number_to_make/</ref> in an effort to "mitigate spam, bot activity, and account abuse"<ref>{{Cite web |first=CLRN |date=2025-07-25 |title=How to skip phone verification while creating Gmail account? |url=https://www.clrn.org/how-to-skip-phone-verification-while-creating-gmail-account/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=California Learning Resource Network}}</ref>. They have a system that immediately detects reuse of numbers, so no accounts can have the same associated number.{{Citation needed}} This, paired with [[YouTube#Forced sign-in|YouTube's sign-in requirement]], makes it impossible for users to share a single "guest" account, as is typically the case for families sharing a smart TV.

==Controversies==
===Account lockouts===
Google has been reported to have randomly locked people out of their accounts due to ostensible security reasons, which are not lifted even if the user had provided the correct credentials and/or even if the user have correctly followed all the verification prompts such as SMS verification. These have caused anguishes for many affected users who are unable to access their contents, emails and services as a result. Furthermore, some had reported that they are forced to undergo SMS verification even when recovery email addresses are already configured to their accounts, thereby likely constituting instances of [[Forced identification|forced verification]] in broad senses.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210505101632/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210805030048/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230720181226/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/ Archived])</ref>

===Deletion of inactive accounts===
In May 2023, Google announced that [[Inactive account deletion|deletion of inactive user accounts]] would occur starting in December 2023, citing security reasons, noting that old and unused accounts are more likely to be compromised. Google claimed that "Forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, have not had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user," while saying that Google "has no plans to delete [[YouTube]] videos".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lawler |first1=Richard |title=Google might delete your Gmail account if you haven't logged in for two years |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205121216/https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Jon |title=Reminder: Google is about to start purging inactive accounts |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212230239/https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Amadeo |first1=Ron |title=Google's new "inactive account" policy won't delete years of YouTube videos |url=https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en-us |date=17 May 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212092014/https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref> The decision to delete inactive accounts has sparked some criticism and backlash. The cited security rationale behind such decision was ridiculed and was compared to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Novet |first1=Jordan |title=Google's plan to purge inactive accounts isn't sitting well with some users |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |website=CNBC |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date
=19 August 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250831223936/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |archive-date=31 Aug 2025}}</ref> Such policies could adversely affect those who had good reasons to become inactive for a long time, such as hospitalization, prison incarceration, and being in totalitarian countries which have prolonged internet shutdowns. Moreover, the Anonymous hacktivist collective has protested against the decision to delete inactive accounts multiple times, describing them as "harsh" and saying that the decision will "destroy history".<ref>{{cite web |date=18 July 2023 |title=Anonymous puts Taiwan flag, national anthem on 2 UN websites {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-07-18 09:56:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20231014070719/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 Archived])</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title='Anonymous' hacks Chinese government site to protest Israel–Hamas war {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-10-18 19:03:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240221120716/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 Archived])</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 December 2023 |title=Anonymous posts Taiwan flag on UN site {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-12-08 17:26:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240228035811/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 Archived])</ref>

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

===Target API level requirements for Google Play apps===
Google's policy of requiring apps for Android to target recent API levels to appear in the Play Store<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Aug 2024 |title=Policy Center |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |access-date=May 9, 2025 |website=Play Console Help |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215054419/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> creates a continuous cycle of maintenance and redevelopment that can be especially burdensome for smaller developers, indie creators, and consumers.

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

This creates several issues:

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

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

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

===Ban on third-party tech support ads===
Google prohibits tech support ads on their platform if they are not authorised by the manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graff |first=David |date=31 Aug 2018 |title=Restricting ads in third-party tech support services |url=https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |website=Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112170608/https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>

===The chargeback incident===
In November 2022, a Google customer accidentally purchased two Google Pixel smartphones instead of one, directly from Google (no third-party reseller), and tried to return one package to Google for a refund, but the shipping was unsuccessful.

A Google customer support person suggested the customer to perform a chargeback. The customer acted accordingly without understanding the implications, resulting in the termination of their Google account shortly after. The account was 15 years old at that time.<ref>[https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3393/danger-chargeback-equals-account-permanently-banned DANGER!!!: Chargeback = ACCOUNT PERMANENTLY BANNED. - Virtual curiosities] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260205120523/https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3393/danger-chargeback-equals-account-permanently-banned Archived])</ref><ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/zndbku/tifu_by_accidentally_buying_two_google_pixels_and/ TIFU by accidentally buying two Google Pixels and ended up getting my 15 year old Google Account permanently banned. - Reddit] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260113140546/https://old.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/zndbku/tifu_by_accidentally_buying_two_google_pixels_and/ Archived])</ref>

==Anti-consumer legal cases==
===Privacy violations===
====''Rodriguez v. Google LLC'' (''May 2021—September 2025'')====
Google's "Web & App Activity" (WAA) setting had the ability to be paused. Reportedly, despite this setting being paused by consumers, Google would continue to collect consumer data regardless of consent.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rodriguez v. Google LLC |url=https://www.googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ#faq1 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251011171640/https://googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ |archive-date=11 Oct 2025}}</ref> Google collected mobile device data for eight years from users who opted out of tracking under the WAA.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Staab |first=Theresa |date=18 Sep 2025 |title=Someone is Always Watching: Implications of Google's WAA Privacy Case |url=https://lawreview.syr.edu/someone-is-always-watching-implications-of-googles-waa-privacy-case/ |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=Syracuse Law Review}}</ref> The dates of use/activity in question were between July 1, 2016 and September 23, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Oct 2024 |title=FAQs: Google Web App Activity lawsuit |url=https://help.wfu.edu/support/solutions/articles/13000825158-faqs-google-web-app-activity-lawsuit |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=Wake Forest University}}</ref> On September 3, 2025, the San Francisco Federal Court jury held Google liable two of three claims of privacy invasion. The plaintiffs were awarded $425.7 million in compensatory damages for invasion of privacy, totaling around $4 per person for the approximate 98 million affected users, but since the jury found that Google did not act with malicious intent, no punitive damages were awarded.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Mollman |first=Brittney |last2=Sosnicki |first2=Luke |date=2025-09-05 |title=Federal Jury Awards $425.7 Million in Google Privacy Case: Key Takeaways on Consent Design and Litigation Risk |url=https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/insights/federal-jury-awards-425-7-million-in-google-privacy-case-key-takeaways-on-consent-design-and-litigation-risk/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=Thompson Coburn LLP}}</ref> Google filed an appeal to this verdict "on the basis that the jury misunderstood the functionality of its privacy tools and that users were adequately informed through layered disclosures and consent flows"<ref name=":6" />. Claim submission may begin once the appeals process finishes<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-05 |title=$425M Verdict in Google Web & App Activity Privacy Class Action Lawsuit — Do You Qualify? |url=https://openclassactions.com/settlements/google-web-and-app-activity-privacy-class-action-lawsuit.php |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=OpenClassActions}}</ref>.

====''Thele v. Google LLC'' (''November 2025—'')====
On the 11th of November, 2025, Thomas Thele filed a demand for jury trial in a class action complaint against Google LLC. In the filing it states that "on or about October 10, 2025, Google secretly turned on Gemini for all its users’ Gmail, Chat, and Meet accounts, enabling AI to track its users’ private communications contained in those platforms without the users’ knowledge or consent" <ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolfson |first=Tina |last2=Ahdoot |first2=Robert |last3=Maya |first3=Theodore |last4=Brown |first4=Alyssa |date=2025-11-11 |title=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL |url=https://www.classaction.org/media/thele-v-google-complaint_2.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=ClassAction}}</ref>. The suit "alleges that Google is violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burnson |first=Robert |date=2025-11-12 |title=Google sued for allegedly using Gemini AI to secretly track user data |url=https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/google-sued-for-allegedly-using-gemini-ai-to-secretly-track-user-data-125111200603_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=Business Standard}}</ref>, a law enacted in 1967 which dictates the terms by which advances in technology can be used for the purpose of invading the privacy of citizens<ref>{{Cite web |date=1967 |title=CHAPTER 1.5. Invasion of Privacy |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&part=1.&title=15.&chapter=1.5 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=California Legislative Information}}</ref>. The defendant, Google LLC, filed a Motion to Dismiss which is scheduled to be heard on May 1, 2026<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-27 |title=Thele v. Google LLC |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/61129560/Thele_v_Google_LLC |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=PacerMonitor}}</ref>.

===Anti-competitive behavior===
====''Epic Games, Inc. v. Google Inc.'' (''August 2020—May 2025'')====
Google takes a 30% share of all revenue made through all sales made on the Play Store, which is a comparable figure to other digital storefronts such as the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Steam]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=7 Oct 2019 |title=Report: Steam's 30% Cut Is Actually the Industry Standard |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |url-status=live |website=ign.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211034837/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref> On 13th August 2020, [[Epic Games]] CEO Tim Sweeney updated both iOS and Android versions of ''Fortnite'' to redirect users to Epic Games' storefront to purchase in-game currency ("V-Bucks") alongside the respective first-party storefront, with incentives including cheaper prices if buying from Epic Games directly. This violated the Terms of Service of both Apple and Google's storefronts, and ''Fortnite'' was removed from both app stores the same day.

Epic Games would use this motion to file federal lawsuits against both Google and Apple, citing that these practices meant that the companies were engaging in anti-competitive behavior. Google lost in the lawsuit, but attempted to appeal the decision, in which they lost again.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=31 July 2025 |title=Epic just won its Google lawsuit again, and Android may never be the same |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |access-date=21 August 2025 |work=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260111151936/https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |archive-date=11 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Social media addiction bellwether trials===
====Los Angeles Superior Court, JCCP 5255 (''2026'')====
Starting in January of 2026, [[Meta]] (Facebook and [[Instagram]]) and [[Google]] ([[YouTube]]) faced legal claims of their platforms being intentionally addictive and harmful to children. [[ByteDance]] ([[TikTok]]) and Snap ([[Snapchat]]) were named initially, but settled for undisclosed terms before the trial began. A 19-year-old girl, referred to by the initials "KGM" or Kaley, and two other plaintiffs were selected for bellwether trials—test cases tried as part of an MDL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huamani |first=Kaitlyn |last2=Ortutay |first2=Barbara |date=9 Feb 2026 |title=Landmark trial accusing tech giants of harming children with addictive social media begins |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/landmark-trial-accusing-tech-giants-of-harming-children-with-addictive-social-media-begins |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2026 |website=PBS News}}</ref> On March 25, 2026, the California jury concluded in KGM's case that [[Meta]] and Google were guilty of negligent for their apps—[[Instagram]], Facebook, and [[YouTube]]—being deliberately built to be addictive, which the companies' executives knew this and failed to protect their youngest users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allyn |first=Bobby |date=25 Mar 2026 |title=Jury finds Meta and Google negligent in social media harms trial |url=https://www.npr.org/2026/03/25/nx-s1-5746125/meta-youtube-social-media-trial-verdict |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=npr}}</ref> [[Meta]] was charged to pay $4.2 million for compensatory and punitive damages, and charged Google $1.8 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Cecilia |last2=Mac |first2=Ryan |last3=Tan |first3=Eli |date=25 Mar 2026 |title=Meta and YouTube Found Negligent in Landmark Social Media Addiction Case |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/25/technology/social-media-trial-verdict.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

==See also==

===Products and services===
{{Main|List of Google products}}

===Controversies===

*[[Advertising overload]]
*[[Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs]]
*[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]
*[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]
*[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]

==External links==

*"[https://www.jwz.org/xscreensaver/google.html XScreenSaver: Google Store Privacy Policy]". Google pretending to care about privacy by forcing a fully-local (no internet) minimal-permission screen-saver app to specify a privacy-policy. That blog-post contains many sources on Google's anti-consumer practices

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

Google

2026-05-06T03:56:33Z

Sojourna: Added clean-up tag.

{{Cleanup|Issue 1=Article formatting should follow [[Template:CompanyPreload]]. With Google's history, it may be useful to use tabling for incidents.|Issue 2=Citations need to follow proper formatting. See [[Template:Cite web]].|Issue 3=Make sure that section headers are in sentence case where applicable.}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1998
|Industry=Technology
|Logo=Google.webp
|ParentCompany=Alphabet Inc.
|Type=Subsidiary
|Description=Google is one of the most influential technology companies in the world, originally known for developing the most widely used search engine.
|Website=https://www.google.com/
}}

'''{{Wplink|Google|Google LLC}}''', founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is one of the most influential technology companies in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest tech companies by market cap |url=https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |url-status=live |website=companiesmarketcap.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222070659/https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> Originally developed as a search engine to organize and index the growing amount of information on the internet, Google has since expanded into a wide range of services and products, becoming a central player in digital advertising, software, hardware, and cloud computing.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Google Products |url=https://about.google/products/ |access-date=10 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128182647/https://about.google/products/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Google's search engine remains its most well-known service, but the company has significantly diversified its offerings. Key products include the [[Android]] operating system, the [[Google Chrome]] web browser, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Drive Google Drive] for cloud storage, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Maps Google Maps], [[YouTube]], and [[wikipedia:Google_Play|Google Play]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Helpful products, built with you in mind |url=https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205114442/https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>{{Citation needed}} Additionally, the company provides digital advertising services through Google Ads, generating the majority of its revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Feb 2025 |title=Alphabet Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results |url=https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251002181452/https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |archive-date=2 Oct 2025}}</ref> In recent years, Google has also developed hardware products such as the Pixel smartphone and Nest smart home devices.

Google has faced ongoing scrutiny related to data privacy, competition, and its dominant position in the market, such concerns have stretched as far back as 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Adam |date=5 Mar 2012 |title=Will We Ever Get Strong Internet Privacy Rules? |url=https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Time |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205121437/https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Sep 2023 |title=REPORT: Google at 25: From “Don’t Be Evil” To ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ |url=https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Tech Oversight Project |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> The company has been the subject of various legal and regulatory challenges, particularly concerning antitrust issues, the use of personal data, and its impact on consumer choice.{{Citation needed}} The US government is currently engaged in an antitrust lawsuit against Google, with a decision expected early 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Nov 2024 |title=Closing Arguments, November 25: Once, Twice, Three Times a Monopolist |url=https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=US v Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906103632/https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref> {{UpdateNeeded|date={{subst:August}} {{subst:2025}}|reason=We need updates on this situation.}}

In December 2024, Google announced to organisations that use its advertising products, that from 16 February 2025, it will no longer prohibit them from employing [[wikipedia:Fingerprint_(computing)|fingerprinting]] techniques.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almond |first=Stephen |date=19 Dec 2024 |title=Our response to Google’s policy change on fingerprinting |url=https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ico. |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128163957/https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Anti-consumer incidents==

===Service shutdowns===

====Google Play Music shutdown====
[[wikipedia:Google_Play_Music|Google Play Music]] was a service that allowed users to purchase music, listen via streaming, and download to the local device; alternatively users could pay for a subscription to listen to all music available through streaming. It was publicly launched on the 16th November 2011 and later shutdown in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=Google Play Music, Music Play Store & Music Manager are going away – everything you need to know |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=28 Oct 2020 |title=RIP Google Play Music, 2011 – 2020 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251214224205/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref> Google Play Music further allowed users to upload their own songs to listen on all their devices, with a limit of up to 50,000 files.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=11 Jan 2017 |title=How to Upload Your Music Library to Google Play Music |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=How-To-Geek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> Users were able to purchase songs individually or buy whole albums that they could then download and listen to, or stream through the internet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2020 |title=How To Buy Music From Google Play (Now YouTube Music) |url=https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Technobezz |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250805235415/https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |archive-date=5 Aug 2025}}</ref>

In October 2020, Google announced that they would be shutting down Google Play Music, with it being fully shut down by December.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Abner |date=3 Dec 2020 |title=Google fully shuts down Play Music around the world |url=https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=9To5Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708163846/https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This went ahead with a warning to their users to begin migrating to [[wikipedia:YouTube_Music|YouTube Music]], and that they would be losing access to their purchased songs. Google recommended users should download their purchased songs before the service would shut down.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=YouTube Music will replace Google Play Music by end of 2020 |url=https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Official Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201140126/https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

After the shut down, users lost access to the music they paid for, with no way to download them. Google justified this by transferring all playlists and purchase history to YouTube Music, and only refunding songs that were not directly available,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Oct 2023 |title=What happened to my songs on Google Music? |url=https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Darwin's Data |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223930/https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaney |first=Sarah |date=5 Feb 2022 |title=What Happened to Google Play Music? |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=MUO |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205111318/https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> with no guarantee that the songs will remain available through the new service. Users found that their purchased songs were no longer able to stream at 320kbps on YouTube Music compared to Google Play Music unless they paid for the monthly subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cutlack |first=Gary |date=23 Dec 2012 |title=Google Music UK: everything you need to know |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=TechRadar |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221115733/https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=L. Hald |first=Nicole |date=24 Mar 2025 |title=How Is YouTube Music Sound Quality in 2025? Is It Any Good? |url=https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=NoteBurner |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217143252/https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> If a user failed to initiate the transfer of their music library or locally download their songs by 24th February 2021, then they lost all access and all data associated with Google Play Music.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sodhi |first=Tanishka |date=8 Feb 2021 |title=Google Play Music Data Will Be Deleted on February 24: Here’s How to Transfer to YouTube Music |url=https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Gadgets 360 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112610/https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> YouTube Music does not provide the option to download songs as MP3s, with local downloads requiring an internet connection every 30 days to continue working offline.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Download music and podcasts to listen to offline |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223930/https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

====Google Stadia shutdown====
In January 2023, Google announced the shutdown of its cloud gaming service, Stadia, which was launched in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RIP Google Stadia: the latest news on the discontinued cloud gaming service |url=https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260101185119/https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |archive-date=1 Jan 2026}}</ref> Stadia required users to purchase games individually, unlike other gaming platforms that offer subscription-based access. Upon the service's closure, Google promised to refund consumers for their purchases, including both games and hardware. The refunds for games and software were issued automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravenscraft |first=Erin |date=10 Nov 2022 |title=Stadia Is Dying. Here’s What’s in Your Refund and How to Get It |url=https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Wired |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205115111/https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Stadia users were effectively renting access to games, as the platform did not allow for traditional ownership or offline play. With the service discontinued, consumers were left without access to the content they had purchased. Stadia users who had bought controllers and other peripherals for the service were also impacted by the shutdown. While Google offered refunds to customers, many Stadia consumers were left with equipment that no longer performs the advertised functions and limited recourse for repurposing or reselling their devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashworth |first=Mack |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Stadia Shut Down: How To Use Your Hardware Now Google’s Shutting It Down |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Game Revolution |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004224131/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

Google Stadia controllers were limited to Wi-Fi connectivity, however upon shut down they started offering an update to allow them to connect through Bluetooth, the update service website was scheduled to shut down on the 31st December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devine |first=Richard |date=17 Jan 2023 |title=Bluetooth support for Google Stadia Controller arrives — Here's how to enable it and play PC games |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Windows Central |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251109164004/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |archive-date=9 Nov 2025}}</ref>

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

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

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

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

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

===Google Assistant Third Party List Support===
On June 20th, 2023, Google disabled 3rd party list support for Google Assistant<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=2025-09-16 |title=Where are my old lists? |url=https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427212604/https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-date=2025-04-27}}</ref>. This feature allowed lists through 3rd party services such as AnyList or Todoist to be managed via Google Assistant. The only list provider available through Google Assistant after this change was Google Keep<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathur |first=Chandraveer |website=Android Police |date=2023-05-31 |title=Google Assistant is killing support for notes and lists integration with third-party apps |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218051543/https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/ |archive-date=18 Dec 2025}}</ref>.

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

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

===Blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps===
{{Main|Google blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps}}
On 25 August 2025, '''[[Google]]''' announced that starting in 2026 it will block the installation of Android apps from outside the Play Store unless the developer has verified their identity with Google. The policy will first roll out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, with global enforcement targeted for 2027.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Frey |first=Suzanne |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=A new layer of security for certified Android devices |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Android Developers Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128013331/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211509/https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> This marks a significant change to Android's long-standing support for sideloading apps.

Devices without [[Google Mobile Services]] or running [[wikipedia:List_of_custom_Android_distributions|custom ROMs]] are exempt.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829170329/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Register}}</ref> Critics argue this restricts user freedom, impacts independent developers, and may enable Google to block apps it disapproves of, such as ad-blockers, raising concerns about privacy and control over personal devices.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211440/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |first= |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=BleepingComputer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250829215120/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |archive-date=29 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Banning domain-blockers from Play Store===
Since 2013, Google has taken down all apps on G-Play that can block connections to arbitrary [[wikipedia:Domain_Name_System|domain-names]] via [https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/vpn the official VPN API], most of those apps being marketed as ad-blockers.<ref>https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-kicks-ad-blocker-apps-off-play-store/</ref> This forced apps such as AdGuard and NetGuard to distribute their ad-blocking features elsewhere.<ref>https://adguard.com/en/blog/adguard-google-play-removal.html</ref><ref>https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/7308869411ff87649bf3a46a9c7c08f1e5353801/ADBLOCKING.md?plain=1#L6</ref><ref>https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/7308869411ff87649bf3a46a9c7c08f1e5353801/ADBLOCKING.md?plain=1#L106</ref>

Google cites their own Developer Distribution Agreement (terms of service for devs), claiming that those apps are "disruptive", as if to imply hacking or cracking. Many people claim that's an invalid excuse, and that the ulterior motive was to increase ad-revenue.

===Pixel devices bricked due to confusing reasons===
Numerous Google Pixel phones have gotten bricked as a result of different use cases, such as accidentally switched slots, flashing custom ROMs, or downgrading the bootloader version of the device after an [[Anti-rollback/ARB for device firmware|Anti-Rollback (ARB)]] increment (accidentally or otherwise), or installing the June 2025 update.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=2025-08-26 |title=Some Pixels are bricked and Google apparently won't help revive them |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260108045933/https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |archive-date=8 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> The device enters an emergency download state called Pixel ROM Recovery, which is a Google modification of Samsung's EUB mode on Exynos chipsets. In this mode, it refuses to enter Android recovery or [[wikipedia:Fastboot|Fastboot]], making it near impossible to restore the operating system on the device. The only way to fix it is to use Pixel ROM Recovery to boot a special, Google-signed recovery bootloader into RAM and flash a working version of Android from there.

This recovery bootloader is just a regular bootloader as it appears in Google factory images, but with a special "USB boot" bit flag set to 1. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-11 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330#comment19 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112358/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>

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

Numerous developers have worked on trying to find a solution to this issue, and have succeeded to varying extents. However, devices bricked due to the ARB trigger remain impossible to fix. Google has not provided any recovery images to resolve this issue, despite there being a sizable post on their bug tracker.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-10 |title=Pixel recovery bootloaders lack security reasoning for guarding |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-12 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112358/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> despite the fact that Google providing the recovery images for the repair will not compromise security, as explained by one of the developers in their report.<ref name=":4" />

===Phone number requirement for new accounts===
Since 2020, Google has increasingly forced users to verify phone-numbers via SMS during account registration,<ref>https://support.google.com/accounts/thread/34403939/cannot-create-a-new-google-account-it-is-requiring-a-phone-number-forced-phone-verification</ref><ref>https://reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oanh2p/does_google_now_require_a_phone_number_to_make/</ref> in an effort to "mitigate spam, bot activity, and account abuse"<ref>{{Cite web |first=CLRN |date=2025-07-25 |title=How to skip phone verification while creating Gmail account? |url=https://www.clrn.org/how-to-skip-phone-verification-while-creating-gmail-account/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=California Learning Resource Network}}</ref>. They have a system that immediately detects reuse of numbers, so no accounts can have the same associated number.{{Citation needed}} This, paired with [[YouTube#Forced sign-in|YouTube's sign-in requirement]], makes it impossible for users to share a single "guest" account, as is typically the case for families sharing a smart TV.

==Controversies==
===Account lockouts===
Google has been reported to have randomly locked people out of their accounts due to ostensible security reasons, which are not lifted even if the user had provided the correct credentials and/or even if the user have correctly followed all the verification prompts such as SMS verification. These have caused anguishes for many affected users who are unable to access their contents, emails and services as a result. Furthermore, some had reported that they are forced to undergo SMS verification even when recovery email addresses are already configured to their accounts, thereby likely constituting instances of [[Forced identification|forced verification]] in broad senses.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210505101632/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210805030048/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230720181226/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/ Archived])</ref>

===Deletion of inactive accounts===
In May 2023, Google announced that [[Inactive account deletion|deletion of inactive user accounts]] would occur starting in December 2023, citing security reasons, noting that old and unused accounts are more likely to be compromised. Google claimed that "Forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, have not had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user," while saying that Google "has no plans to delete [[YouTube]] videos".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lawler |first1=Richard |title=Google might delete your Gmail account if you haven't logged in for two years |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205121216/https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Jon |title=Reminder: Google is about to start purging inactive accounts |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212230239/https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Amadeo |first1=Ron |title=Google's new "inactive account" policy won't delete years of YouTube videos |url=https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en-us |date=17 May 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212092014/https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref> The decision to delete inactive accounts has sparked some criticism and backlash. The cited security rationale behind such decision was ridiculed and was compared to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Novet |first1=Jordan |title=Google's plan to purge inactive accounts isn't sitting well with some users |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |website=CNBC |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date
=19 August 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250831223936/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |archive-date=31 Aug 2025}}</ref> Such policies could adversely affect those who had good reasons to become inactive for a long time, such as hospitalization, prison incarceration, and being in totalitarian countries which have prolonged internet shutdowns. Moreover, the Anonymous hacktivist collective has protested against the decision to delete inactive accounts multiple times, describing them as "harsh" and saying that the decision will "destroy history".<ref>{{cite web |date=18 July 2023 |title=Anonymous puts Taiwan flag, national anthem on 2 UN websites {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-07-18 09:56:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20231014070719/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 Archived])</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title='Anonymous' hacks Chinese government site to protest Israel–Hamas war {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-10-18 19:03:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240221120716/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 Archived])</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 December 2023 |title=Anonymous posts Taiwan flag on UN site {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-12-08 17:26:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240228035811/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 Archived])</ref>

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

===Target API level requirements for Google Play apps===
Google's policy of requiring apps for Android to target recent API levels to appear in the Play Store<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Aug 2024 |title=Policy Center |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |access-date=May 9, 2025 |website=Play Console Help |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215054419/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> creates a continuous cycle of maintenance and redevelopment that can be especially burdensome for smaller developers, indie creators, and consumers.

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

This creates several issues:

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

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

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

===Ban on third-party tech support ads===
Google prohibits tech support ads on their platform if they are not authorised by the manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graff |first=David |date=31 Aug 2018 |title=Restricting ads in third-party tech support services |url=https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |website=Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112170608/https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>

===The chargeback incident===
In November 2022, a Google customer accidentally purchased two Google Pixel smartphones instead of one, directly from Google (no third-party reseller), and tried to return one package to Google for a refund, but the shipping was unsuccessful.

A Google customer support person suggested the customer to perform a chargeback. The customer acted accordingly without understanding the implications, resulting in the termination of their Google account shortly after. The account was 15 years old at that time.<ref>[https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3393/danger-chargeback-equals-account-permanently-banned DANGER!!!: Chargeback = ACCOUNT PERMANENTLY BANNED. - Virtual curiosities] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260205120523/https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3393/danger-chargeback-equals-account-permanently-banned Archived])</ref><ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/zndbku/tifu_by_accidentally_buying_two_google_pixels_and/ TIFU by accidentally buying two Google Pixels and ended up getting my 15 year old Google Account permanently banned. - Reddit] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260113140546/https://old.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/zndbku/tifu_by_accidentally_buying_two_google_pixels_and/ Archived])</ref>

==Anti-consumer legal cases==
===Privacy violations===
====''Rodriguez v. Google LLC'' (''May 2021—September 2025'')====
Google's "Web & App Activity" (WAA) setting had the ability to be paused. Reportedly, despite this setting being paused by consumers, Google would continue to collect consumer data regardless of consent.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rodriguez v. Google LLC |url=https://www.googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ#faq1 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251011171640/https://googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ |archive-date=11 Oct 2025}}</ref> Google collected mobile device data for eight years from users who opted out of tracking under the WAA.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Staab |first=Theresa |date=18 Sep 2025 |title=Someone is Always Watching: Implications of Google's WAA Privacy Case |url=https://lawreview.syr.edu/someone-is-always-watching-implications-of-googles-waa-privacy-case/ |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=Syracuse Law Review}}</ref> The dates of use/activity in question were between July 1, 2016 and September 23, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Oct 2024 |title=FAQs: Google Web App Activity lawsuit |url=https://help.wfu.edu/support/solutions/articles/13000825158-faqs-google-web-app-activity-lawsuit |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=Wake Forest University}}</ref> On September 3, 2025, the San Francisco Federal Court jury held Google liable two of three claims of privacy invasion. The plaintiffs were awarded $425.7 million in compensatory damages for invasion of privacy, totaling around $4 per person for the approximate 98 million affected users, but since the jury found that Google did not act with malicious intent, no punitive damages were awarded.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Mollman |first=Brittney |last2=Sosnicki |first2=Luke |date=2025-09-05 |title=Federal Jury Awards $425.7 Million in Google Privacy Case: Key Takeaways on Consent Design and Litigation Risk |url=https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/insights/federal-jury-awards-425-7-million-in-google-privacy-case-key-takeaways-on-consent-design-and-litigation-risk/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=Thompson Coburn LLP}}</ref> Google filed an appeal to this verdict "on the basis that the jury misunderstood the functionality of its privacy tools and that users were adequately informed through layered disclosures and consent flows"<ref name=":6" />. Claim submission may begin once the appeals process finishes<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-05 |title=$425M Verdict in Google Web & App Activity Privacy Class Action Lawsuit — Do You Qualify? |url=https://openclassactions.com/settlements/google-web-and-app-activity-privacy-class-action-lawsuit.php |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=OpenClassActions}}</ref>.

====''Thele v. Google LLC'' (''November 2025—'')====
On the 11th of November, 2025, Thomas Thele filed a demand for jury trial in a class action complaint against Google LLC. In the filing it states that "on or about October 10, 2025, Google secretly turned on Gemini for all its users’ Gmail, Chat, and Meet accounts, enabling AI to track its users’ private communications contained in those platforms without the users’ knowledge or consent" <ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolfson |first=Tina |last2=Ahdoot |first2=Robert |last3=Maya |first3=Theodore |last4=Brown |first4=Alyssa |date=2025-11-11 |title=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL |url=https://www.classaction.org/media/thele-v-google-complaint_2.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=ClassAction}}</ref>. The suit "alleges that Google is violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burnson |first=Robert |date=2025-11-12 |title=Google sued for allegedly using Gemini AI to secretly track user data |url=https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/google-sued-for-allegedly-using-gemini-ai-to-secretly-track-user-data-125111200603_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=Business Standard}}</ref>, a law enacted in 1967 which dictates the terms by which advances in technology can be used for the purpose of invading the privacy of citizens<ref>{{Cite web |date=1967 |title=CHAPTER 1.5. Invasion of Privacy |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&part=1.&title=15.&chapter=1.5 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=California Legislative Information}}</ref>. The defendant, Google LLC, filed a Motion to Dismiss which is scheduled to be heard on May 1, 2026<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-27 |title=Thele v. Google LLC |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/61129560/Thele_v_Google_LLC |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=PacerMonitor}}</ref>.

===Anti-competitive behavior===
====''Epic Games, Inc. v. Google Inc.'' (''August 2020—May 2025'')====
Google takes a 30% share of all revenue made through all sales made on the Play Store, which is a comparable figure to other digital storefronts such as the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Steam]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=7 Oct 2019 |title=Report: Steam's 30% Cut Is Actually the Industry Standard |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |url-status=live |website=ign.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211034837/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref> On 13th August 2020, [[Epic Games]] CEO Tim Sweeney updated both iOS and Android versions of ''Fortnite'' to redirect users to Epic Games' storefront to purchase in-game currency ("V-Bucks") alongside the respective first-party storefront, with incentives including cheaper prices if buying from Epic Games directly. This violated the Terms of Service of both Apple and Google's storefronts, and ''Fortnite'' was removed from both app stores the same day.

Epic Games would use this motion to file federal lawsuits against both Google and Apple, citing that these practices meant that the companies were engaging in anti-competitive behavior. Google lost in the lawsuit, but attempted to appeal the decision, in which they lost again.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=31 July 2025 |title=Epic just won its Google lawsuit again, and Android may never be the same |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |access-date=21 August 2025 |work=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260111151936/https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |archive-date=11 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Social media addiction bellwether trials===
====Los Angeles Superior Court, JCCP 5255 (''2026'')====
Starting in January of 2026, [[Meta]] (Facebook and [[Instagram]]) and [[Google]] ([[YouTube]]) faced legal claims of their platforms being intentionally addictive and harmful to children. [[ByteDance]] ([[TikTok]]) and Snap ([[Snapchat]]) were named initially, but settled for undisclosed terms before the trial began. A 19-year-old girl, referred to by the initials "KGM" or Kaley, and two other plaintiffs were selected for bellwether trials—test cases tried as part of an MDL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huamani |first=Kaitlyn |last2=Ortutay |first2=Barbara |date=9 Feb 2026 |title=Landmark trial accusing tech giants of harming children with addictive social media begins |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/landmark-trial-accusing-tech-giants-of-harming-children-with-addictive-social-media-begins |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2026 |website=PBS News}}</ref> On March 25, 2026, the California jury concluded in KGM's case that [[Meta]] and Google were guilty of negligent for their apps—[[Instagram]], Facebook, and [[YouTube]]—being deliberately built to be addictive, which the companies' executives knew this and failed to protect their youngest users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allyn |first=Bobby |date=25 Mar 2026 |title=Jury finds Meta and Google negligent in social media harms trial |url=https://www.npr.org/2026/03/25/nx-s1-5746125/meta-youtube-social-media-trial-verdict |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=npr}}</ref> [[Meta]] was charged to pay $4.2 million for compensatory and punitive damages, and charged Google $1.8 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Cecilia |last2=Mac |first2=Ryan |last3=Tan |first3=Eli |date=25 Mar 2026 |title=Meta and YouTube Found Negligent in Landmark Social Media Addiction Case |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/25/technology/social-media-trial-verdict.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

==See also==

===Products and services===
{{Main|List of Google products}}

===Controversies===

*[[Advertising overload]]
*[[Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs]]
*[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]
*[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]
*[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]

==External links==

*"[https://www.jwz.org/xscreensaver/google.html XScreenSaver: Google Store Privacy Policy]". Google pretending to care about privacy by forcing a fully-local (no internet) minimal-permission screen-saver app to specify a privacy-policy. That blog-post contains many sources on Google's anti-consumer practices

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

Google

2026-05-06T03:51:55Z

Sojourna: /* Products and Services */

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1998
|Industry=Technology
|Logo=Google.webp
|ParentCompany=Alphabet Inc.
|Type=Subsidiary
|Description=Google is one of the most influential technology companies in the world originally known for developing the most widely used search engine.
|Website=https://www.google.com/
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Google|Google LLC]]''', founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is one of the most influential technology companies in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest tech companies by market cap |url=https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |url-status=live |website=companiesmarketcap.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222070659/https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> Originally developed as a search engine to organize and index the growing amount of information on the internet, Google has since expanded into a wide range of services and products, becoming a central player in digital advertising, software, hardware, and cloud computing.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Google Products |url=https://about.google/products/ |access-date=10 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128182647/https://about.google/products/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Google's search engine remains its most well-known service, but the company has significantly diversified its offerings. Key products include the [[Android]] operating system, the [[Google Chrome]] web browser, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Drive Google Drive] for cloud storage, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Maps Google Maps], [[YouTube]], and [[wikipedia:Google_Play|Google Play]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Helpful products, built with you in mind |url=https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205114442/https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>{{Citation needed}} Additionally, the company provides digital advertising services through Google Ads, generating the majority of its revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Feb 2025 |title=Alphabet Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results |url=https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251002181452/https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |archive-date=2 Oct 2025}}</ref> In recent years, Google has also developed hardware products such as the Pixel smartphone and Nest smart home devices.

Google has faced ongoing scrutiny related to data privacy, competition, and its dominant position in the market, such concerns have stretched as far back as 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Adam |date=5 Mar 2012 |title=Will We Ever Get Strong Internet Privacy Rules? |url=https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Time |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205121437/https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Sep 2023 |title=REPORT: Google at 25: From “Don’t Be Evil” To ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ |url=https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Tech Oversight Project |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> The company has been the subject of various legal and regulatory challenges, particularly concerning antitrust issues, the use of personal data, and its impact on consumer choice.{{Citation needed}} The US government is currently engaged in an antitrust lawsuit against Google, with a decision expected early 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Nov 2024 |title=Closing Arguments, November 25: Once, Twice, Three Times a Monopolist |url=https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=US v Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906103632/https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref> {{UpdateNeeded|date={{subst:August}} {{subst:2025}}|reason=We need updates on this situation.}}

In December 2024, Google announced to organisations that use its advertising products, that from 16 February 2025, it will no longer prohibit them from employing [[wikipedia:Fingerprint_(computing)|fingerprinting]] techniques.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almond |first=Stephen |date=19 Dec 2024 |title=Our response to Google’s policy change on fingerprinting |url=https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ico. |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128163957/https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Anti-consumer incidents==

===Service shutdowns===

====Google Play Music shutdown====
[[wikipedia:Google_Play_Music|Google Play Music]] was a service that allowed users to purchase music, listen via streaming, and download to the local device; alternatively users could pay for a subscription to listen to all music available through streaming. It was publicly launched on the 16th November 2011 and later shutdown in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=Google Play Music, Music Play Store & Music Manager are going away – everything you need to know |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=28 Oct 2020 |title=RIP Google Play Music, 2011 – 2020 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251214224205/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref> Google Play Music further allowed users to upload their own songs to listen on all their devices, with a limit of up to 50,000 files.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=11 Jan 2017 |title=How to Upload Your Music Library to Google Play Music |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=How-To-Geek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> Users were able to purchase songs individually or buy whole albums that they could then download and listen to, or stream through the internet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2020 |title=How To Buy Music From Google Play (Now YouTube Music) |url=https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Technobezz |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250805235415/https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |archive-date=5 Aug 2025}}</ref>

In October 2020, Google announced that they would be shutting down Google Play Music, with it being fully shut down by December.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Abner |date=3 Dec 2020 |title=Google fully shuts down Play Music around the world |url=https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=9To5Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708163846/https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This went ahead with a warning to their users to begin migrating to [[wikipedia:YouTube_Music|YouTube Music]], and that they would be losing access to their purchased songs. Google recommended users should download their purchased songs before the service would shut down.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=YouTube Music will replace Google Play Music by end of 2020 |url=https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Official Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201140126/https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

After the shut down, users lost access to the music they paid for, with no way to download them. Google justified this by transferring all playlists and purchase history to YouTube Music, and only refunding songs that were not directly available,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Oct 2023 |title=What happened to my songs on Google Music? |url=https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Darwin's Data |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223930/https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaney |first=Sarah |date=5 Feb 2022 |title=What Happened to Google Play Music? |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=MUO |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205111318/https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> with no guarantee that the songs will remain available through the new service. Users found that their purchased songs were no longer able to stream at 320kbps on YouTube Music compared to Google Play Music unless they paid for the monthly subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cutlack |first=Gary |date=23 Dec 2012 |title=Google Music UK: everything you need to know |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=TechRadar |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221115733/https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=L. Hald |first=Nicole |date=24 Mar 2025 |title=How Is YouTube Music Sound Quality in 2025? Is It Any Good? |url=https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=NoteBurner |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217143252/https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> If a user failed to initiate the transfer of their music library or locally download their songs by 24th February 2021, then they lost all access and all data associated with Google Play Music.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sodhi |first=Tanishka |date=8 Feb 2021 |title=Google Play Music Data Will Be Deleted on February 24: Here’s How to Transfer to YouTube Music |url=https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Gadgets 360 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112610/https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> YouTube Music does not provide the option to download songs as MP3s, with local downloads requiring an internet connection every 30 days to continue working offline.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Download music and podcasts to listen to offline |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223930/https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

====Google Stadia shutdown====
In January 2023, Google announced the shutdown of its cloud gaming service, Stadia, which was launched in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RIP Google Stadia: the latest news on the discontinued cloud gaming service |url=https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260101185119/https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |archive-date=1 Jan 2026}}</ref> Stadia required users to purchase games individually, unlike other gaming platforms that offer subscription-based access. Upon the service's closure, Google promised to refund consumers for their purchases, including both games and hardware. The refunds for games and software were issued automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravenscraft |first=Erin |date=10 Nov 2022 |title=Stadia Is Dying. Here’s What’s in Your Refund and How to Get It |url=https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Wired |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205115111/https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Stadia users were effectively renting access to games, as the platform did not allow for traditional ownership or offline play. With the service discontinued, consumers were left without access to the content they had purchased. Stadia users who had bought controllers and other peripherals for the service were also impacted by the shutdown. While Google offered refunds to customers, many Stadia consumers were left with equipment that no longer performs the advertised functions and limited recourse for repurposing or reselling their devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashworth |first=Mack |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Stadia Shut Down: How To Use Your Hardware Now Google’s Shutting It Down |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Game Revolution |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004224131/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

Google Stadia controllers were limited to Wi-Fi connectivity, however upon shut down they started offering an update to allow them to connect through Bluetooth, the update service website was scheduled to shut down on the 31st December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devine |first=Richard |date=17 Jan 2023 |title=Bluetooth support for Google Stadia Controller arrives — Here's how to enable it and play PC games |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Windows Central |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251109164004/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |archive-date=9 Nov 2025}}</ref>

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

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

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

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

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

===Google Assistant 3rd Party List Support===
On June 20th, 2023, Google disabled 3rd party list support for Google Assistant<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=2025-09-16 |title=Where are my old lists? |url=https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427212604/https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-date=2025-04-27}}</ref>. This feature allowed lists through 3rd party services such as AnyList or Todoist to be managed via Google Assistant. The only list provider available through Google Assistant after this change was Google Keep<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathur |first=Chandraveer |website=Android Police |date=2023-05-31 |title=Google Assistant is killing support for notes and lists integration with third-party apps |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218051543/https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/ |archive-date=18 Dec 2025}}</ref>.

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

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

===Blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps===
{{Main|Google blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps}}
On 25 August 2025, '''[[Google]]''' announced that starting in 2026 it will block the installation of Android apps from outside the Play Store unless the developer has verified their identity with Google. The policy will first roll out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, with global enforcement targeted for 2027.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Frey |first=Suzanne |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=A new layer of security for certified Android devices |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Android Developers Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128013331/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211509/https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> This marks a significant change to Android's long-standing support for sideloading apps.

Devices without [[Google Mobile Services]] or running [[wikipedia:List_of_custom_Android_distributions|custom ROMs]] are exempt.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829170329/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Register}}</ref> Critics argue this restricts user freedom, impacts independent developers, and may enable Google to block apps it disapproves of, such as ad-blockers, raising concerns about privacy and control over personal devices.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211440/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |first= |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=BleepingComputer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250829215120/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |archive-date=29 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Banning domain-blockers from Play Store===
Since 2013, Google has taken down all apps on G-Play that can block connections to arbitrary [[wikipedia:Domain_Name_System|domain-names]] via [https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/vpn the official VPN API], most of those apps being marketed as ad-blockers.<ref>https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-kicks-ad-blocker-apps-off-play-store/</ref> This forced apps such as AdGuard and NetGuard to distribute their ad-blocking features elsewhere.<ref>https://adguard.com/en/blog/adguard-google-play-removal.html</ref><ref>https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/7308869411ff87649bf3a46a9c7c08f1e5353801/ADBLOCKING.md?plain=1#L6</ref><ref>https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/7308869411ff87649bf3a46a9c7c08f1e5353801/ADBLOCKING.md?plain=1#L106</ref>

Google cites their own Developer Distribution Agreement (terms of service for devs), claiming that those apps are "disruptive", as if to imply hacking or cracking. Many people claim that's an invalid excuse, and that the ulterior motive was to increase ad-revenue.

===Pixel devices bricked due to confusing reasons===
Numerous Google Pixel phones have gotten bricked as a result of different use cases, such as accidentally switched slots, flashing custom ROMs, or downgrading the bootloader version of the device after an [[Anti-rollback/ARB for device firmware|Anti-Rollback (ARB)]] increment (accidentally or otherwise), or installing the June 2025 update.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=2025-08-26 |title=Some Pixels are bricked and Google apparently won't help revive them |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260108045933/https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |archive-date=8 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> The device enters an emergency download state called Pixel ROM Recovery, which is a Google modification of Samsung's EUB mode on Exynos chipsets. In this mode, it refuses to enter Android recovery or [[wikipedia:Fastboot|Fastboot]], making it near impossible to restore the operating system on the device. The only way to fix it is to use Pixel ROM Recovery to boot a special, Google-signed recovery bootloader into RAM and flash a working version of Android from there.

This recovery bootloader is just a regular bootloader as it appears in Google factory images, but with a special "USB boot" bit flag set to 1. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-11 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330#comment19 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112358/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>

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

Numerous developers have worked on trying to find a solution to this issue, and have succeeded to varying extents. However, devices bricked due to the ARB trigger remain impossible to fix. Google has not provided any recovery images to resolve this issue, despite there being a sizable post on their bug tracker.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-10 |title=Pixel recovery bootloaders lack security reasoning for guarding |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-12 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112358/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> despite the fact that Google providing the recovery images for the repair will not compromise security, as explained by one of the developers in their report.<ref name=":4" />

===Phone number requirement for new accounts===
Since 2020, Google has increasingly forced users to verify phone-numbers via SMS during account registration,<ref>https://support.google.com/accounts/thread/34403939/cannot-create-a-new-google-account-it-is-requiring-a-phone-number-forced-phone-verification</ref><ref>https://reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oanh2p/does_google_now_require_a_phone_number_to_make/</ref> in an effort to "mitigate spam, bot activity, and account abuse"<ref>{{Cite web |first=CLRN |date=2025-07-25 |title=How to skip phone verification while creating Gmail account? |url=https://www.clrn.org/how-to-skip-phone-verification-while-creating-gmail-account/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=California Learning Resource Network}}</ref>. They have a system that immediately detects reuse of numbers, so no accounts can have the same associated number.{{Citation needed}} This, paired with [[YouTube#Forced sign-in|YouTube's sign-in requirement]], makes it impossible for users to share a single "guest" account, as is typically the case for families sharing a smart TV.

==Controversies==

===Account lockouts===
Google has been reported to have randomly locked people out of their accounts due to ostensible security reasons, which are not lifted even if the user had provided the correct credentials and/or even if the user have correctly followed all the verification prompts such as SMS verification. These have caused anguishes for many affected users who are unable to access their contents, emails and services as a result. Furthermore, some had reported that they are forced to undergo SMS verification even when recovery email addresses are already configured to their accounts, thereby likely constituting instances of [[Forced identification|forced verification]] in broad senses.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210505101632/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210805030048/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230720181226/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/ Archived])</ref>

===Deletion of inactive accounts===
In May 2023, Google announced that [[Inactive account deletion|deletion of inactive user accounts]] would occur starting in December 2023, citing security reasons, noting that old and unused accounts are more likely to be compromised. Google claimed that "Forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, have not had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user," while saying that Google "has no plans to delete [[YouTube]] videos".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lawler |first1=Richard |title=Google might delete your Gmail account if you haven't logged in for two years |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205121216/https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Jon |title=Reminder: Google is about to start purging inactive accounts |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212230239/https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Amadeo |first1=Ron |title=Google's new "inactive account" policy won't delete years of YouTube videos |url=https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en-us |date=17 May 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212092014/https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref> The decision to delete inactive accounts has sparked some criticism and backlash. The cited security rationale behind such decision was ridiculed and was compared to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Novet |first1=Jordan |title=Google's plan to purge inactive accounts isn't sitting well with some users |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |website=CNBC |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date
=19 August 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250831223936/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |archive-date=31 Aug 2025}}</ref> Such policies could adversely affect those who had good reasons to become inactive for a long time, such as hospitalization, prison incarceration, and being in totalitarian countries which have prolonged internet shutdowns. Moreover, the Anonymous hacktivist collective has protested against the decision to delete inactive accounts multiple times, describing them as "harsh" and saying that the decision will "destroy history".<ref>{{cite web |date=18 July 2023 |title=Anonymous puts Taiwan flag, national anthem on 2 UN websites {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-07-18 09:56:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20231014070719/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 Archived])</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title='Anonymous' hacks Chinese government site to protest Israel–Hamas war {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-10-18 19:03:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240221120716/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 Archived])</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 December 2023 |title=Anonymous posts Taiwan flag on UN site {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-12-08 17:26:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240228035811/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 Archived])</ref>

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

===Target API level requirements for Google Play apps===
Google's policy of requiring apps for Android to target recent API levels to appear in the Play Store<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Aug 2024 |title=Policy Center |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |access-date=May 9, 2025 |website=Play Console Help |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215054419/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> creates a continuous cycle of maintenance and redevelopment that can be especially burdensome for smaller developers, indie creators, and consumers.

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

This creates several issues:

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

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

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

===Ban on third-party tech support ads===
Google prohibits tech support ads on their platform if they are not authorised by the manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graff |first=David |date=31 Aug 2018 |title=Restricting ads in third-party tech support services |url=https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |website=Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112170608/https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>

===The chargeback incident===
In November 2022, a Google customer accidentally purchased two Google Pixel smartphones instead of one, directly from Google (no third-party reseller), and tried to return one package to Google for a refund, but the shipping was unsuccessful.

A Google customer support person suggested the customer to perform a chargeback. The customer acted accordingly without understanding the implications, resulting in the termination of their Google account shortly after. The account was 15 years old at that time.<ref>[https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3393/danger-chargeback-equals-account-permanently-banned DANGER!!!: Chargeback = ACCOUNT PERMANENTLY BANNED. - Virtual curiosities] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260205120523/https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3393/danger-chargeback-equals-account-permanently-banned Archived])</ref><ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/zndbku/tifu_by_accidentally_buying_two_google_pixels_and/ TIFU by accidentally buying two Google Pixels and ended up getting my 15 year old Google Account permanently banned. - Reddit] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260113140546/https://old.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/zndbku/tifu_by_accidentally_buying_two_google_pixels_and/ Archived])</ref>

==Anti-consumer legal cases==
===Privacy violations===
====''Rodriguez v. Google LLC'' (''May 2021—September 2025'')====
Google's "Web & App Activity" (WAA) setting had the ability to be paused. Reportedly, despite this setting being paused by consumers, Google would continue to collect consumer data regardless of consent.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rodriguez v. Google LLC |url=https://www.googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ#faq1 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251011171640/https://googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ |archive-date=11 Oct 2025}}</ref> Google collected mobile device data for eight years from users who opted out of tracking under the WAA.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Staab |first=Theresa |date=18 Sep 2025 |title=Someone is Always Watching: Implications of Google's WAA Privacy Case |url=https://lawreview.syr.edu/someone-is-always-watching-implications-of-googles-waa-privacy-case/ |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=Syracuse Law Review}}</ref> The dates of use/activity in question were between July 1, 2016 and September 23, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Oct 2024 |title=FAQs: Google Web App Activity lawsuit |url=https://help.wfu.edu/support/solutions/articles/13000825158-faqs-google-web-app-activity-lawsuit |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=Wake Forest University}}</ref> On September 3, 2025, the San Francisco Federal Court jury held Google liable two of three claims of privacy invasion. The plaintiffs were awarded $425.7 million in compensatory damages for invasion of privacy, totaling around $4 per person for the approximate 98 million affected users, but since the jury found that Google did not act with malicious intent, no punitive damages were awarded.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Mollman |first=Brittney |last2=Sosnicki |first2=Luke |date=2025-09-05 |title=Federal Jury Awards $425.7 Million in Google Privacy Case: Key Takeaways on Consent Design and Litigation Risk |url=https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/insights/federal-jury-awards-425-7-million-in-google-privacy-case-key-takeaways-on-consent-design-and-litigation-risk/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=Thompson Coburn LLP}}</ref> Google filed an appeal to this verdict "on the basis that the jury misunderstood the functionality of its privacy tools and that users were adequately informed through layered disclosures and consent flows"<ref name=":6" />. Claim submission may begin once the appeals process finishes<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-05 |title=$425M Verdict in Google Web & App Activity Privacy Class Action Lawsuit — Do You Qualify? |url=https://openclassactions.com/settlements/google-web-and-app-activity-privacy-class-action-lawsuit.php |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=OpenClassActions}}</ref>.

====''Thele v. Google LLC'' (''November 2025—'')====
On the 11th of November, 2025, Thomas Thele filed a demand for jury trial in a class action complaint against Google LLC. In the filing it states that "on or about October 10, 2025, Google secretly turned on Gemini for all its users’ Gmail, Chat, and Meet accounts, enabling AI to track its users’ private communications contained in those platforms without the users’ knowledge or consent" <ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolfson |first=Tina |last2=Ahdoot |first2=Robert |last3=Maya |first3=Theodore |last4=Brown |first4=Alyssa |date=2025-11-11 |title=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL |url=https://www.classaction.org/media/thele-v-google-complaint_2.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=ClassAction}}</ref>. The suit "alleges that Google is violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burnson |first=Robert |date=2025-11-12 |title=Google sued for allegedly using Gemini AI to secretly track user data |url=https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/google-sued-for-allegedly-using-gemini-ai-to-secretly-track-user-data-125111200603_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=Business Standard}}</ref>, a law enacted in 1967 which dictates the terms by which advances in technology can be used for the purpose of invading the privacy of citizens<ref>{{Cite web |date=1967 |title=CHAPTER 1.5. Invasion of Privacy |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&part=1.&title=15.&chapter=1.5 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=California Legislative Information}}</ref>. The defendant, Google LLC, filed a Motion to Dismiss which is scheduled to be heard on May 1, 2026<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-27 |title=Thele v. Google LLC |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/61129560/Thele_v_Google_LLC |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=PacerMonitor}}</ref>.

===Anti-competitive behavior===
====''Epic Games, Inc. v. Google Inc.'' (''August 2020—May 2025'')====
Google takes a 30% share of all revenue made through all sales made on the Play Store, which is a comparable figure to other digital storefronts such as the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Steam]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=7 Oct 2019 |title=Report: Steam's 30% Cut Is Actually the Industry Standard |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |url-status=live |website=ign.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211034837/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref> On 13th August 2020, [[Epic Games]] CEO Tim Sweeney updated both iOS and Android versions of ''Fortnite'' to redirect users to Epic Games' storefront to purchase in-game currency ("V-Bucks") alongside the respective first-party storefront, with incentives including cheaper prices if buying from Epic Games directly. This violated the Terms of Service of both Apple and Google's storefronts, and ''Fortnite'' was removed from both app stores the same day.

Epic Games would use this motion to file federal lawsuits against both Google and Apple, citing that these practices meant that the companies were engaging in anti-competitive behavior. Google lost in the lawsuit, but attempted to appeal the decision, in which they lost again.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=31 July 2025 |title=Epic just won its Google lawsuit again, and Android may never be the same |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |access-date=21 August 2025 |work=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260111151936/https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |archive-date=11 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Social media addiction bellwether trials===
====Los Angeles Superior Court, JCCP 5255 (''2026'')====
Starting in January of 2026, [[Meta]] (Facebook and [[Instagram]]) and [[Google]] ([[YouTube]]) faced legal claims of their platforms being intentionally addictive and harmful to children. [[ByteDance]] ([[TikTok]]) and Snap ([[Snapchat]]) were named initially, but settled for undisclosed terms before the trial began. A 19-year-old girl, referred to by the initials "KGM" or Kaley, and two other plaintiffs were selected for bellwether trials—test cases tried as part of an MDL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huamani |first=Kaitlyn |last2=Ortutay |first2=Barbara |date=9 Feb 2026 |title=Landmark trial accusing tech giants of harming children with addictive social media begins |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/landmark-trial-accusing-tech-giants-of-harming-children-with-addictive-social-media-begins |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2026 |website=PBS News}}</ref> On March 25, 2026, the California jury concluded in KGM's case that [[Meta]] and Google were guilty of negligent for their apps—[[Instagram]], Facebook, and [[YouTube]]—being deliberately built to be addictive, which the companies' executives knew this and failed to protect their youngest users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allyn |first=Bobby |date=25 Mar 2026 |title=Jury finds Meta and Google negligent in social media harms trial |url=https://www.npr.org/2026/03/25/nx-s1-5746125/meta-youtube-social-media-trial-verdict |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=npr}}</ref> [[Meta]] was charged to pay $4.2 million for compensatory and punitive damages, and charged Google $1.8 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Cecilia |last2=Mac |first2=Ryan |last3=Tan |first3=Eli |date=25 Mar 2026 |title=Meta and YouTube Found Negligent in Landmark Social Media Addiction Case |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/25/technology/social-media-trial-verdict.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

==See also==

===Products and services===
{{Main|List of Google products}}

===Controversies===

*[[Advertising overload]]
*[[Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs]]
*[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]
*[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]
*[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]

==External links==

*"[https://www.jwz.org/xscreensaver/google.html XScreenSaver: Google Store Privacy Policy]". Google pretending to care about privacy by forcing a fully-local (no internet) minimal-permission screen-saver app to specify a privacy-policy. That blog-post contains many sources on Google's anti-consumer practices

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

Google

2026-05-06T03:51:18Z

Sojourna: /* Anti-consumer legal cases */

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1998
|Industry=Technology
|Logo=Google.webp
|ParentCompany=Alphabet Inc.
|Type=Subsidiary
|Description=Google is one of the most influential technology companies in the world originally known for developing the most widely used search engine.
|Website=https://www.google.com/
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Google|Google LLC]]''', founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is one of the most influential technology companies in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest tech companies by market cap |url=https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |url-status=live |website=companiesmarketcap.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222070659/https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> Originally developed as a search engine to organize and index the growing amount of information on the internet, Google has since expanded into a wide range of services and products, becoming a central player in digital advertising, software, hardware, and cloud computing.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Google Products |url=https://about.google/products/ |access-date=10 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128182647/https://about.google/products/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Google's search engine remains its most well-known service, but the company has significantly diversified its offerings. Key products include the [[Android]] operating system, the [[Google Chrome]] web browser, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Drive Google Drive] for cloud storage, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Maps Google Maps], [[YouTube]], and [[wikipedia:Google_Play|Google Play]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Helpful products, built with you in mind |url=https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205114442/https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>{{Citation needed}} Additionally, the company provides digital advertising services through Google Ads, generating the majority of its revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Feb 2025 |title=Alphabet Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results |url=https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251002181452/https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |archive-date=2 Oct 2025}}</ref> In recent years, Google has also developed hardware products such as the Pixel smartphone and Nest smart home devices.

Google has faced ongoing scrutiny related to data privacy, competition, and its dominant position in the market, such concerns have stretched as far back as 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Adam |date=5 Mar 2012 |title=Will We Ever Get Strong Internet Privacy Rules? |url=https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Time |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205121437/https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Sep 2023 |title=REPORT: Google at 25: From “Don’t Be Evil” To ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ |url=https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Tech Oversight Project |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> The company has been the subject of various legal and regulatory challenges, particularly concerning antitrust issues, the use of personal data, and its impact on consumer choice.{{Citation needed}} The US government is currently engaged in an antitrust lawsuit against Google, with a decision expected early 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Nov 2024 |title=Closing Arguments, November 25: Once, Twice, Three Times a Monopolist |url=https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=US v Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906103632/https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref> {{UpdateNeeded|date={{subst:August}} {{subst:2025}}|reason=We need updates on this situation.}}

In December 2024, Google announced to organisations that use its advertising products, that from 16 February 2025, it will no longer prohibit them from employing [[wikipedia:Fingerprint_(computing)|fingerprinting]] techniques.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almond |first=Stephen |date=19 Dec 2024 |title=Our response to Google’s policy change on fingerprinting |url=https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ico. |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128163957/https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Anti-consumer incidents==

===Service shutdowns===

====Google Play Music shutdown====
[[wikipedia:Google_Play_Music|Google Play Music]] was a service that allowed users to purchase music, listen via streaming, and download to the local device; alternatively users could pay for a subscription to listen to all music available through streaming. It was publicly launched on the 16th November 2011 and later shutdown in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=Google Play Music, Music Play Store & Music Manager are going away – everything you need to know |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=28 Oct 2020 |title=RIP Google Play Music, 2011 – 2020 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251214224205/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref> Google Play Music further allowed users to upload their own songs to listen on all their devices, with a limit of up to 50,000 files.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=11 Jan 2017 |title=How to Upload Your Music Library to Google Play Music |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=How-To-Geek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> Users were able to purchase songs individually or buy whole albums that they could then download and listen to, or stream through the internet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2020 |title=How To Buy Music From Google Play (Now YouTube Music) |url=https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Technobezz |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250805235415/https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |archive-date=5 Aug 2025}}</ref>

In October 2020, Google announced that they would be shutting down Google Play Music, with it being fully shut down by December.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Abner |date=3 Dec 2020 |title=Google fully shuts down Play Music around the world |url=https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=9To5Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708163846/https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This went ahead with a warning to their users to begin migrating to [[wikipedia:YouTube_Music|YouTube Music]], and that they would be losing access to their purchased songs. Google recommended users should download their purchased songs before the service would shut down.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=YouTube Music will replace Google Play Music by end of 2020 |url=https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Official Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201140126/https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

After the shut down, users lost access to the music they paid for, with no way to download them. Google justified this by transferring all playlists and purchase history to YouTube Music, and only refunding songs that were not directly available,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Oct 2023 |title=What happened to my songs on Google Music? |url=https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Darwin's Data |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223930/https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaney |first=Sarah |date=5 Feb 2022 |title=What Happened to Google Play Music? |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=MUO |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205111318/https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> with no guarantee that the songs will remain available through the new service. Users found that their purchased songs were no longer able to stream at 320kbps on YouTube Music compared to Google Play Music unless they paid for the monthly subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cutlack |first=Gary |date=23 Dec 2012 |title=Google Music UK: everything you need to know |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=TechRadar |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221115733/https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=L. Hald |first=Nicole |date=24 Mar 2025 |title=How Is YouTube Music Sound Quality in 2025? Is It Any Good? |url=https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=NoteBurner |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217143252/https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> If a user failed to initiate the transfer of their music library or locally download their songs by 24th February 2021, then they lost all access and all data associated with Google Play Music.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sodhi |first=Tanishka |date=8 Feb 2021 |title=Google Play Music Data Will Be Deleted on February 24: Here’s How to Transfer to YouTube Music |url=https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Gadgets 360 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112610/https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> YouTube Music does not provide the option to download songs as MP3s, with local downloads requiring an internet connection every 30 days to continue working offline.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Download music and podcasts to listen to offline |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223930/https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

====Google Stadia shutdown====
In January 2023, Google announced the shutdown of its cloud gaming service, Stadia, which was launched in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RIP Google Stadia: the latest news on the discontinued cloud gaming service |url=https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260101185119/https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |archive-date=1 Jan 2026}}</ref> Stadia required users to purchase games individually, unlike other gaming platforms that offer subscription-based access. Upon the service's closure, Google promised to refund consumers for their purchases, including both games and hardware. The refunds for games and software were issued automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravenscraft |first=Erin |date=10 Nov 2022 |title=Stadia Is Dying. Here’s What’s in Your Refund and How to Get It |url=https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Wired |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205115111/https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Stadia users were effectively renting access to games, as the platform did not allow for traditional ownership or offline play. With the service discontinued, consumers were left without access to the content they had purchased. Stadia users who had bought controllers and other peripherals for the service were also impacted by the shutdown. While Google offered refunds to customers, many Stadia consumers were left with equipment that no longer performs the advertised functions and limited recourse for repurposing or reselling their devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashworth |first=Mack |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Stadia Shut Down: How To Use Your Hardware Now Google’s Shutting It Down |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Game Revolution |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004224131/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

Google Stadia controllers were limited to Wi-Fi connectivity, however upon shut down they started offering an update to allow them to connect through Bluetooth, the update service website was scheduled to shut down on the 31st December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devine |first=Richard |date=17 Jan 2023 |title=Bluetooth support for Google Stadia Controller arrives — Here's how to enable it and play PC games |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Windows Central |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251109164004/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |archive-date=9 Nov 2025}}</ref>

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

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

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

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

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

===Google Assistant 3rd Party List Support===
On June 20th, 2023, Google disabled 3rd party list support for Google Assistant<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=2025-09-16 |title=Where are my old lists? |url=https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427212604/https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-date=2025-04-27}}</ref>. This feature allowed lists through 3rd party services such as AnyList or Todoist to be managed via Google Assistant. The only list provider available through Google Assistant after this change was Google Keep<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathur |first=Chandraveer |website=Android Police |date=2023-05-31 |title=Google Assistant is killing support for notes and lists integration with third-party apps |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218051543/https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/ |archive-date=18 Dec 2025}}</ref>.

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

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

===Blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps===
{{Main|Google blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps}}
On 25 August 2025, '''[[Google]]''' announced that starting in 2026 it will block the installation of Android apps from outside the Play Store unless the developer has verified their identity with Google. The policy will first roll out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, with global enforcement targeted for 2027.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Frey |first=Suzanne |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=A new layer of security for certified Android devices |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Android Developers Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128013331/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211509/https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> This marks a significant change to Android's long-standing support for sideloading apps.

Devices without [[Google Mobile Services]] or running [[wikipedia:List_of_custom_Android_distributions|custom ROMs]] are exempt.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829170329/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Register}}</ref> Critics argue this restricts user freedom, impacts independent developers, and may enable Google to block apps it disapproves of, such as ad-blockers, raising concerns about privacy and control over personal devices.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211440/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |first= |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=BleepingComputer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250829215120/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |archive-date=29 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Banning domain-blockers from Play Store===
Since 2013, Google has taken down all apps on G-Play that can block connections to arbitrary [[wikipedia:Domain_Name_System|domain-names]] via [https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/vpn the official VPN API], most of those apps being marketed as ad-blockers.<ref>https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-kicks-ad-blocker-apps-off-play-store/</ref> This forced apps such as AdGuard and NetGuard to distribute their ad-blocking features elsewhere.<ref>https://adguard.com/en/blog/adguard-google-play-removal.html</ref><ref>https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/7308869411ff87649bf3a46a9c7c08f1e5353801/ADBLOCKING.md?plain=1#L6</ref><ref>https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/7308869411ff87649bf3a46a9c7c08f1e5353801/ADBLOCKING.md?plain=1#L106</ref>

Google cites their own Developer Distribution Agreement (terms of service for devs), claiming that those apps are "disruptive", as if to imply hacking or cracking. Many people claim that's an invalid excuse, and that the ulterior motive was to increase ad-revenue.

===Pixel devices bricked due to confusing reasons===
Numerous Google Pixel phones have gotten bricked as a result of different use cases, such as accidentally switched slots, flashing custom ROMs, or downgrading the bootloader version of the device after an [[Anti-rollback/ARB for device firmware|Anti-Rollback (ARB)]] increment (accidentally or otherwise), or installing the June 2025 update.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=2025-08-26 |title=Some Pixels are bricked and Google apparently won't help revive them |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260108045933/https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |archive-date=8 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> The device enters an emergency download state called Pixel ROM Recovery, which is a Google modification of Samsung's EUB mode on Exynos chipsets. In this mode, it refuses to enter Android recovery or [[wikipedia:Fastboot|Fastboot]], making it near impossible to restore the operating system on the device. The only way to fix it is to use Pixel ROM Recovery to boot a special, Google-signed recovery bootloader into RAM and flash a working version of Android from there.

This recovery bootloader is just a regular bootloader as it appears in Google factory images, but with a special "USB boot" bit flag set to 1. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-11 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330#comment19 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112358/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>

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

Numerous developers have worked on trying to find a solution to this issue, and have succeeded to varying extents. However, devices bricked due to the ARB trigger remain impossible to fix. Google has not provided any recovery images to resolve this issue, despite there being a sizable post on their bug tracker.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-10 |title=Pixel recovery bootloaders lack security reasoning for guarding |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-12 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112358/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> despite the fact that Google providing the recovery images for the repair will not compromise security, as explained by one of the developers in their report.<ref name=":4" />

===Phone number requirement for new accounts===
Since 2020, Google has increasingly forced users to verify phone-numbers via SMS during account registration,<ref>https://support.google.com/accounts/thread/34403939/cannot-create-a-new-google-account-it-is-requiring-a-phone-number-forced-phone-verification</ref><ref>https://reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oanh2p/does_google_now_require_a_phone_number_to_make/</ref> in an effort to "mitigate spam, bot activity, and account abuse"<ref>{{Cite web |first=CLRN |date=2025-07-25 |title=How to skip phone verification while creating Gmail account? |url=https://www.clrn.org/how-to-skip-phone-verification-while-creating-gmail-account/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=California Learning Resource Network}}</ref>. They have a system that immediately detects reuse of numbers, so no accounts can have the same associated number.{{Citation needed}} This, paired with [[YouTube#Forced sign-in|YouTube's sign-in requirement]], makes it impossible for users to share a single "guest" account, as is typically the case for families sharing a smart TV.

==Controversies==

===Account lockouts===
Google has been reported to have randomly locked people out of their accounts due to ostensible security reasons, which are not lifted even if the user had provided the correct credentials and/or even if the user have correctly followed all the verification prompts such as SMS verification. These have caused anguishes for many affected users who are unable to access their contents, emails and services as a result. Furthermore, some had reported that they are forced to undergo SMS verification even when recovery email addresses are already configured to their accounts, thereby likely constituting instances of [[Forced identification|forced verification]] in broad senses.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210505101632/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210805030048/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230720181226/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/ Archived])</ref>

===Deletion of inactive accounts===
In May 2023, Google announced that [[Inactive account deletion|deletion of inactive user accounts]] would occur starting in December 2023, citing security reasons, noting that old and unused accounts are more likely to be compromised. Google claimed that "Forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, have not had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user," while saying that Google "has no plans to delete [[YouTube]] videos".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lawler |first1=Richard |title=Google might delete your Gmail account if you haven't logged in for two years |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205121216/https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Jon |title=Reminder: Google is about to start purging inactive accounts |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212230239/https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Amadeo |first1=Ron |title=Google's new "inactive account" policy won't delete years of YouTube videos |url=https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en-us |date=17 May 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212092014/https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref> The decision to delete inactive accounts has sparked some criticism and backlash. The cited security rationale behind such decision was ridiculed and was compared to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Novet |first1=Jordan |title=Google's plan to purge inactive accounts isn't sitting well with some users |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |website=CNBC |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date
=19 August 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250831223936/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |archive-date=31 Aug 2025}}</ref> Such policies could adversely affect those who had good reasons to become inactive for a long time, such as hospitalization, prison incarceration, and being in totalitarian countries which have prolonged internet shutdowns. Moreover, the Anonymous hacktivist collective has protested against the decision to delete inactive accounts multiple times, describing them as "harsh" and saying that the decision will "destroy history".<ref>{{cite web |date=18 July 2023 |title=Anonymous puts Taiwan flag, national anthem on 2 UN websites {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-07-18 09:56:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20231014070719/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 Archived])</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title='Anonymous' hacks Chinese government site to protest Israel–Hamas war {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-10-18 19:03:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240221120716/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 Archived])</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 December 2023 |title=Anonymous posts Taiwan flag on UN site {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-12-08 17:26:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240228035811/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 Archived])</ref>

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

===Target API level requirements for Google Play apps===
Google's policy of requiring apps for Android to target recent API levels to appear in the Play Store<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Aug 2024 |title=Policy Center |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |access-date=May 9, 2025 |website=Play Console Help |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215054419/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> creates a continuous cycle of maintenance and redevelopment that can be especially burdensome for smaller developers, indie creators, and consumers.

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

This creates several issues:

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

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

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

===Ban on third-party tech support ads===
Google prohibits tech support ads on their platform if they are not authorised by the manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graff |first=David |date=31 Aug 2018 |title=Restricting ads in third-party tech support services |url=https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |website=Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112170608/https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>

===The chargeback incident===
In November 2022, a Google customer accidentally purchased two Google Pixel smartphones instead of one, directly from Google (no third-party reseller), and tried to return one package to Google for a refund, but the shipping was unsuccessful.

A Google customer support person suggested the customer to perform a chargeback. The customer acted accordingly without understanding the implications, resulting in the termination of their Google account shortly after. The account was 15 years old at that time.<ref>[https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3393/danger-chargeback-equals-account-permanently-banned DANGER!!!: Chargeback = ACCOUNT PERMANENTLY BANNED. - Virtual curiosities] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260205120523/https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3393/danger-chargeback-equals-account-permanently-banned Archived])</ref><ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/zndbku/tifu_by_accidentally_buying_two_google_pixels_and/ TIFU by accidentally buying two Google Pixels and ended up getting my 15 year old Google Account permanently banned. - Reddit] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260113140546/https://old.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/zndbku/tifu_by_accidentally_buying_two_google_pixels_and/ Archived])</ref>

==Anti-consumer legal cases==
===Privacy violations===
====''Rodriguez v. Google LLC'' (''May 2021—September 2025'')====
Google's "Web & App Activity" (WAA) setting had the ability to be paused. Reportedly, despite this setting being paused by consumers, Google would continue to collect consumer data regardless of consent.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rodriguez v. Google LLC |url=https://www.googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ#faq1 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251011171640/https://googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ |archive-date=11 Oct 2025}}</ref> Google collected mobile device data for eight years from users who opted out of tracking under the WAA.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Staab |first=Theresa |date=18 Sep 2025 |title=Someone is Always Watching: Implications of Google's WAA Privacy Case |url=https://lawreview.syr.edu/someone-is-always-watching-implications-of-googles-waa-privacy-case/ |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=Syracuse Law Review}}</ref> The dates of use/activity in question were between July 1, 2016 and September 23, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Oct 2024 |title=FAQs: Google Web App Activity lawsuit |url=https://help.wfu.edu/support/solutions/articles/13000825158-faqs-google-web-app-activity-lawsuit |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=Wake Forest University}}</ref> On September 3, 2025, the San Francisco Federal Court jury held Google liable two of three claims of privacy invasion. The plaintiffs were awarded $425.7 million in compensatory damages for invasion of privacy, totaling around $4 per person for the approximate 98 million affected users, but since the jury found that Google did not act with malicious intent, no punitive damages were awarded.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Mollman |first=Brittney |last2=Sosnicki |first2=Luke |date=2025-09-05 |title=Federal Jury Awards $425.7 Million in Google Privacy Case: Key Takeaways on Consent Design and Litigation Risk |url=https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/insights/federal-jury-awards-425-7-million-in-google-privacy-case-key-takeaways-on-consent-design-and-litigation-risk/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=Thompson Coburn LLP}}</ref> Google filed an appeal to this verdict "on the basis that the jury misunderstood the functionality of its privacy tools and that users were adequately informed through layered disclosures and consent flows"<ref name=":6" />. Claim submission may begin once the appeals process finishes<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-05 |title=$425M Verdict in Google Web & App Activity Privacy Class Action Lawsuit — Do You Qualify? |url=https://openclassactions.com/settlements/google-web-and-app-activity-privacy-class-action-lawsuit.php |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=OpenClassActions}}</ref>.

====''Thele v. Google LLC'' (''November 2025—'')====
On the 11th of November, 2025, Thomas Thele filed a demand for jury trial in a class action complaint against Google LLC. In the filing it states that "on or about October 10, 2025, Google secretly turned on Gemini for all its users’ Gmail, Chat, and Meet accounts, enabling AI to track its users’ private communications contained in those platforms without the users’ knowledge or consent" <ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolfson |first=Tina |last2=Ahdoot |first2=Robert |last3=Maya |first3=Theodore |last4=Brown |first4=Alyssa |date=2025-11-11 |title=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL |url=https://www.classaction.org/media/thele-v-google-complaint_2.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=ClassAction}}</ref>. The suit "alleges that Google is violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burnson |first=Robert |date=2025-11-12 |title=Google sued for allegedly using Gemini AI to secretly track user data |url=https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/google-sued-for-allegedly-using-gemini-ai-to-secretly-track-user-data-125111200603_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=Business Standard}}</ref>, a law enacted in 1967 which dictates the terms by which advances in technology can be used for the purpose of invading the privacy of citizens<ref>{{Cite web |date=1967 |title=CHAPTER 1.5. Invasion of Privacy |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&part=1.&title=15.&chapter=1.5 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=California Legislative Information}}</ref>. The defendant, Google LLC, filed a Motion to Dismiss which is scheduled to be heard on May 1, 2026<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-27 |title=Thele v. Google LLC |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/61129560/Thele_v_Google_LLC |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=PacerMonitor}}</ref>.

===Anti-competitive behavior===
====''Epic Games, Inc. v. Google Inc.'' (''August 2020—May 2025'')====
Google takes a 30% share of all revenue made through all sales made on the Play Store, which is a comparable figure to other digital storefronts such as the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Steam]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=7 Oct 2019 |title=Report: Steam's 30% Cut Is Actually the Industry Standard |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |url-status=live |website=ign.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211034837/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref> On 13th August 2020, [[Epic Games]] CEO Tim Sweeney updated both iOS and Android versions of ''Fortnite'' to redirect users to Epic Games' storefront to purchase in-game currency ("V-Bucks") alongside the respective first-party storefront, with incentives including cheaper prices if buying from Epic Games directly. This violated the Terms of Service of both Apple and Google's storefronts, and ''Fortnite'' was removed from both app stores the same day.

Epic Games would use this motion to file federal lawsuits against both Google and Apple, citing that these practices meant that the companies were engaging in anti-competitive behavior. Google lost in the lawsuit, but attempted to appeal the decision, in which they lost again.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=31 July 2025 |title=Epic just won its Google lawsuit again, and Android may never be the same |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |access-date=21 August 2025 |work=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260111151936/https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |archive-date=11 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Social media addiction bellwether trials===
====Los Angeles Superior Court, JCCP 5255 (''2026'')====
Starting in January of 2026, [[Meta]] (Facebook and [[Instagram]]) and [[Google]] ([[YouTube]]) faced legal claims of their platforms being intentionally addictive and harmful to children. [[ByteDance]] ([[TikTok]]) and Snap ([[Snapchat]]) were named initially, but settled for undisclosed terms before the trial began. A 19-year-old girl, referred to by the initials "KGM" or Kaley, and two other plaintiffs were selected for bellwether trials—test cases tried as part of an MDL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huamani |first=Kaitlyn |last2=Ortutay |first2=Barbara |date=9 Feb 2026 |title=Landmark trial accusing tech giants of harming children with addictive social media begins |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/landmark-trial-accusing-tech-giants-of-harming-children-with-addictive-social-media-begins |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2026 |website=PBS News}}</ref> On March 25, 2026, the California jury concluded in KGM's case that [[Meta]] and Google were guilty of negligent for their apps—[[Instagram]], Facebook, and [[YouTube]]—being deliberately built to be addictive, which the companies' executives knew this and failed to protect their youngest users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allyn |first=Bobby |date=25 Mar 2026 |title=Jury finds Meta and Google negligent in social media harms trial |url=https://www.npr.org/2026/03/25/nx-s1-5746125/meta-youtube-social-media-trial-verdict |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=npr}}</ref> [[Meta]] was charged to pay $4.2 million for compensatory and punitive damages, and charged Google $1.8 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Cecilia |last2=Mac |first2=Ryan |last3=Tan |first3=Eli |date=25 Mar 2026 |title=Meta and YouTube Found Negligent in Landmark Social Media Addiction Case |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/25/technology/social-media-trial-verdict.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

==See also==

===Products and Services===

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

*[[Advertising overload]]
*[[Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs]]
*[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]
*[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]
*[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]

==External links==

*"[https://www.jwz.org/xscreensaver/google.html XScreenSaver: Google Store Privacy Policy]". Google pretending to care about privacy by forcing a fully-local (no internet) minimal-permission screen-saver app to specify a privacy-policy. That blog-post contains many sources on Google's anti-consumer practices

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

Google

2026-05-06T03:48:55Z

Sojourna: /* Thele v. Google LLC (11 November 2025 - Present) */

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1998
|Industry=Technology
|Logo=Google.webp
|ParentCompany=Alphabet Inc.
|Type=Subsidiary
|Description=Google is one of the most influential technology companies in the world originally known for developing the most widely used search engine.
|Website=https://www.google.com/
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Google|Google LLC]]''', founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is one of the most influential technology companies in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest tech companies by market cap |url=https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |url-status=live |website=companiesmarketcap.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222070659/https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> Originally developed as a search engine to organize and index the growing amount of information on the internet, Google has since expanded into a wide range of services and products, becoming a central player in digital advertising, software, hardware, and cloud computing.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Google Products |url=https://about.google/products/ |access-date=10 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128182647/https://about.google/products/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Google's search engine remains its most well-known service, but the company has significantly diversified its offerings. Key products include the [[Android]] operating system, the [[Google Chrome]] web browser, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Drive Google Drive] for cloud storage, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Maps Google Maps], [[YouTube]], and [[wikipedia:Google_Play|Google Play]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Helpful products, built with you in mind |url=https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205114442/https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>{{Citation needed}} Additionally, the company provides digital advertising services through Google Ads, generating the majority of its revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Feb 2025 |title=Alphabet Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results |url=https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251002181452/https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |archive-date=2 Oct 2025}}</ref> In recent years, Google has also developed hardware products such as the Pixel smartphone and Nest smart home devices.

Google has faced ongoing scrutiny related to data privacy, competition, and its dominant position in the market, such concerns have stretched as far back as 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Adam |date=5 Mar 2012 |title=Will We Ever Get Strong Internet Privacy Rules? |url=https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Time |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205121437/https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Sep 2023 |title=REPORT: Google at 25: From “Don’t Be Evil” To ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ |url=https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Tech Oversight Project |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> The company has been the subject of various legal and regulatory challenges, particularly concerning antitrust issues, the use of personal data, and its impact on consumer choice.{{Citation needed}} The US government is currently engaged in an antitrust lawsuit against Google, with a decision expected early 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Nov 2024 |title=Closing Arguments, November 25: Once, Twice, Three Times a Monopolist |url=https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=US v Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906103632/https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref> {{UpdateNeeded|date={{subst:August}} {{subst:2025}}|reason=We need updates on this situation.}}

In December 2024, Google announced to organisations that use its advertising products, that from 16 February 2025, it will no longer prohibit them from employing [[wikipedia:Fingerprint_(computing)|fingerprinting]] techniques.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almond |first=Stephen |date=19 Dec 2024 |title=Our response to Google’s policy change on fingerprinting |url=https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ico. |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128163957/https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Anti-consumer incidents==

===Service shutdowns===

====Google Play Music shutdown====
[[wikipedia:Google_Play_Music|Google Play Music]] was a service that allowed users to purchase music, listen via streaming, and download to the local device; alternatively users could pay for a subscription to listen to all music available through streaming. It was publicly launched on the 16th November 2011 and later shutdown in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=Google Play Music, Music Play Store & Music Manager are going away – everything you need to know |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=28 Oct 2020 |title=RIP Google Play Music, 2011 – 2020 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251214224205/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref> Google Play Music further allowed users to upload their own songs to listen on all their devices, with a limit of up to 50,000 files.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=11 Jan 2017 |title=How to Upload Your Music Library to Google Play Music |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=How-To-Geek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> Users were able to purchase songs individually or buy whole albums that they could then download and listen to, or stream through the internet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2020 |title=How To Buy Music From Google Play (Now YouTube Music) |url=https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Technobezz |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250805235415/https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |archive-date=5 Aug 2025}}</ref>

In October 2020, Google announced that they would be shutting down Google Play Music, with it being fully shut down by December.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Abner |date=3 Dec 2020 |title=Google fully shuts down Play Music around the world |url=https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=9To5Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708163846/https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This went ahead with a warning to their users to begin migrating to [[wikipedia:YouTube_Music|YouTube Music]], and that they would be losing access to their purchased songs. Google recommended users should download their purchased songs before the service would shut down.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=YouTube Music will replace Google Play Music by end of 2020 |url=https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Official Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201140126/https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

After the shut down, users lost access to the music they paid for, with no way to download them. Google justified this by transferring all playlists and purchase history to YouTube Music, and only refunding songs that were not directly available,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Oct 2023 |title=What happened to my songs on Google Music? |url=https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Darwin's Data |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223930/https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaney |first=Sarah |date=5 Feb 2022 |title=What Happened to Google Play Music? |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=MUO |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205111318/https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> with no guarantee that the songs will remain available through the new service. Users found that their purchased songs were no longer able to stream at 320kbps on YouTube Music compared to Google Play Music unless they paid for the monthly subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cutlack |first=Gary |date=23 Dec 2012 |title=Google Music UK: everything you need to know |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=TechRadar |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221115733/https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=L. Hald |first=Nicole |date=24 Mar 2025 |title=How Is YouTube Music Sound Quality in 2025? Is It Any Good? |url=https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=NoteBurner |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217143252/https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> If a user failed to initiate the transfer of their music library or locally download their songs by 24th February 2021, then they lost all access and all data associated with Google Play Music.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sodhi |first=Tanishka |date=8 Feb 2021 |title=Google Play Music Data Will Be Deleted on February 24: Here’s How to Transfer to YouTube Music |url=https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Gadgets 360 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112610/https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> YouTube Music does not provide the option to download songs as MP3s, with local downloads requiring an internet connection every 30 days to continue working offline.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Download music and podcasts to listen to offline |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223930/https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

====Google Stadia shutdown====
In January 2023, Google announced the shutdown of its cloud gaming service, Stadia, which was launched in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RIP Google Stadia: the latest news on the discontinued cloud gaming service |url=https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260101185119/https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |archive-date=1 Jan 2026}}</ref> Stadia required users to purchase games individually, unlike other gaming platforms that offer subscription-based access. Upon the service's closure, Google promised to refund consumers for their purchases, including both games and hardware. The refunds for games and software were issued automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravenscraft |first=Erin |date=10 Nov 2022 |title=Stadia Is Dying. Here’s What’s in Your Refund and How to Get It |url=https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Wired |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205115111/https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Stadia users were effectively renting access to games, as the platform did not allow for traditional ownership or offline play. With the service discontinued, consumers were left without access to the content they had purchased. Stadia users who had bought controllers and other peripherals for the service were also impacted by the shutdown. While Google offered refunds to customers, many Stadia consumers were left with equipment that no longer performs the advertised functions and limited recourse for repurposing or reselling their devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashworth |first=Mack |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Stadia Shut Down: How To Use Your Hardware Now Google’s Shutting It Down |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Game Revolution |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004224131/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

Google Stadia controllers were limited to Wi-Fi connectivity, however upon shut down they started offering an update to allow them to connect through Bluetooth, the update service website was scheduled to shut down on the 31st December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devine |first=Richard |date=17 Jan 2023 |title=Bluetooth support for Google Stadia Controller arrives — Here's how to enable it and play PC games |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Windows Central |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251109164004/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |archive-date=9 Nov 2025}}</ref>

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

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

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

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

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

===Google Assistant 3rd Party List Support===
On June 20th, 2023, Google disabled 3rd party list support for Google Assistant<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=2025-09-16 |title=Where are my old lists? |url=https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427212604/https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-date=2025-04-27}}</ref>. This feature allowed lists through 3rd party services such as AnyList or Todoist to be managed via Google Assistant. The only list provider available through Google Assistant after this change was Google Keep<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathur |first=Chandraveer |website=Android Police |date=2023-05-31 |title=Google Assistant is killing support for notes and lists integration with third-party apps |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218051543/https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/ |archive-date=18 Dec 2025}}</ref>.

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

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

===Blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps===
{{Main|Google blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps}}
On 25 August 2025, '''[[Google]]''' announced that starting in 2026 it will block the installation of Android apps from outside the Play Store unless the developer has verified their identity with Google. The policy will first roll out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, with global enforcement targeted for 2027.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Frey |first=Suzanne |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=A new layer of security for certified Android devices |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Android Developers Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128013331/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211509/https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> This marks a significant change to Android's long-standing support for sideloading apps.

Devices without [[Google Mobile Services]] or running [[wikipedia:List_of_custom_Android_distributions|custom ROMs]] are exempt.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829170329/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Register}}</ref> Critics argue this restricts user freedom, impacts independent developers, and may enable Google to block apps it disapproves of, such as ad-blockers, raising concerns about privacy and control over personal devices.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211440/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |first= |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=BleepingComputer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250829215120/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |archive-date=29 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Banning domain-blockers from Play Store===
Since 2013, Google has taken down all apps on G-Play that can block connections to arbitrary [[wikipedia:Domain_Name_System|domain-names]] via [https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/vpn the official VPN API], most of those apps being marketed as ad-blockers.<ref>https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-kicks-ad-blocker-apps-off-play-store/</ref> This forced apps such as AdGuard and NetGuard to distribute their ad-blocking features elsewhere.<ref>https://adguard.com/en/blog/adguard-google-play-removal.html</ref><ref>https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/7308869411ff87649bf3a46a9c7c08f1e5353801/ADBLOCKING.md?plain=1#L6</ref><ref>https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/7308869411ff87649bf3a46a9c7c08f1e5353801/ADBLOCKING.md?plain=1#L106</ref>

Google cites their own Developer Distribution Agreement (terms of service for devs), claiming that those apps are "disruptive", as if to imply hacking or cracking. Many people claim that's an invalid excuse, and that the ulterior motive was to increase ad-revenue.

===Pixel devices bricked due to confusing reasons===
Numerous Google Pixel phones have gotten bricked as a result of different use cases, such as accidentally switched slots, flashing custom ROMs, or downgrading the bootloader version of the device after an [[Anti-rollback/ARB for device firmware|Anti-Rollback (ARB)]] increment (accidentally or otherwise), or installing the June 2025 update.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=2025-08-26 |title=Some Pixels are bricked and Google apparently won't help revive them |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260108045933/https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |archive-date=8 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> The device enters an emergency download state called Pixel ROM Recovery, which is a Google modification of Samsung's EUB mode on Exynos chipsets. In this mode, it refuses to enter Android recovery or [[wikipedia:Fastboot|Fastboot]], making it near impossible to restore the operating system on the device. The only way to fix it is to use Pixel ROM Recovery to boot a special, Google-signed recovery bootloader into RAM and flash a working version of Android from there.

This recovery bootloader is just a regular bootloader as it appears in Google factory images, but with a special "USB boot" bit flag set to 1. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-11 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330#comment19 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112358/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>

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

Numerous developers have worked on trying to find a solution to this issue, and have succeeded to varying extents. However, devices bricked due to the ARB trigger remain impossible to fix. Google has not provided any recovery images to resolve this issue, despite there being a sizable post on their bug tracker.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-10 |title=Pixel recovery bootloaders lack security reasoning for guarding |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004223929/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-12 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112358/https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> despite the fact that Google providing the recovery images for the repair will not compromise security, as explained by one of the developers in their report.<ref name=":4" />

===Phone number requirement for new accounts===
Since 2020, Google has increasingly forced users to verify phone-numbers via SMS during account registration,<ref>https://support.google.com/accounts/thread/34403939/cannot-create-a-new-google-account-it-is-requiring-a-phone-number-forced-phone-verification</ref><ref>https://reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oanh2p/does_google_now_require_a_phone_number_to_make/</ref> in an effort to "mitigate spam, bot activity, and account abuse"<ref>{{Cite web |first=CLRN |date=2025-07-25 |title=How to skip phone verification while creating Gmail account? |url=https://www.clrn.org/how-to-skip-phone-verification-while-creating-gmail-account/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=California Learning Resource Network}}</ref>. They have a system that immediately detects reuse of numbers, so no accounts can have the same associated number.{{Citation needed}} This, paired with [[YouTube#Forced sign-in|YouTube's sign-in requirement]], makes it impossible for users to share a single "guest" account, as is typically the case for families sharing a smart TV.

==Controversies==

===Account lockouts===
Google has been reported to have randomly locked people out of their accounts due to ostensible security reasons, which are not lifted even if the user had provided the correct credentials and/or even if the user have correctly followed all the verification prompts such as SMS verification. These have caused anguishes for many affected users who are unable to access their contents, emails and services as a result. Furthermore, some had reported that they are forced to undergo SMS verification even when recovery email addresses are already configured to their accounts, thereby likely constituting instances of [[Forced identification|forced verification]] in broad senses.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210505101632/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210805030048/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230720181226/https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/ Archived])</ref>

===Deletion of inactive accounts===
In May 2023, Google announced that [[Inactive account deletion|deletion of inactive user accounts]] would occur starting in December 2023, citing security reasons, noting that old and unused accounts are more likely to be compromised. Google claimed that "Forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, have not had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user," while saying that Google "has no plans to delete [[YouTube]] videos".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lawler |first1=Richard |title=Google might delete your Gmail account if you haven't logged in for two years |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205121216/https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Jon |title=Reminder: Google is about to start purging inactive accounts |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212230239/https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Amadeo |first1=Ron |title=Google's new "inactive account" policy won't delete years of YouTube videos |url=https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en-us |date=17 May 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212092014/https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref> The decision to delete inactive accounts has sparked some criticism and backlash. The cited security rationale behind such decision was ridiculed and was compared to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Novet |first1=Jordan |title=Google's plan to purge inactive accounts isn't sitting well with some users |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |website=CNBC |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date
=19 August 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250831223936/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |archive-date=31 Aug 2025}}</ref> Such policies could adversely affect those who had good reasons to become inactive for a long time, such as hospitalization, prison incarceration, and being in totalitarian countries which have prolonged internet shutdowns. Moreover, the Anonymous hacktivist collective has protested against the decision to delete inactive accounts multiple times, describing them as "harsh" and saying that the decision will "destroy history".<ref>{{cite web |date=18 July 2023 |title=Anonymous puts Taiwan flag, national anthem on 2 UN websites {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-07-18 09:56:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20231014070719/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 Archived])</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title='Anonymous' hacks Chinese government site to protest Israel–Hamas war {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-10-18 19:03:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240221120716/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 Archived])</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 December 2023 |title=Anonymous posts Taiwan flag on UN site {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-12-08 17:26:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240228035811/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 Archived])</ref>

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

===Target API level requirements for Google Play apps===
Google's policy of requiring apps for Android to target recent API levels to appear in the Play Store<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Aug 2024 |title=Policy Center |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |access-date=May 9, 2025 |website=Play Console Help |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215054419/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> creates a continuous cycle of maintenance and redevelopment that can be especially burdensome for smaller developers, indie creators, and consumers.

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

This creates several issues:

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

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

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

===Ban on third-party tech support ads===
Google prohibits tech support ads on their platform if they are not authorised by the manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graff |first=David |date=31 Aug 2018 |title=Restricting ads in third-party tech support services |url=https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |website=Google |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112170608/https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>

===The chargeback incident===
In November 2022, a Google customer accidentally purchased two Google Pixel smartphones instead of one, directly from Google (no third-party reseller), and tried to return one package to Google for a refund, but the shipping was unsuccessful.

A Google customer support person suggested the customer to perform a chargeback. The customer acted accordingly without understanding the implications, resulting in the termination of their Google account shortly after. The account was 15 years old at that time.<ref>[https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3393/danger-chargeback-equals-account-permanently-banned DANGER!!!: Chargeback = ACCOUNT PERMANENTLY BANNED. - Virtual curiosities] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260205120523/https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3393/danger-chargeback-equals-account-permanently-banned Archived])</ref><ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/zndbku/tifu_by_accidentally_buying_two_google_pixels_and/ TIFU by accidentally buying two Google Pixels and ended up getting my 15 year old Google Account permanently banned. - Reddit] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260113140546/https://old.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/zndbku/tifu_by_accidentally_buying_two_google_pixels_and/ Archived])</ref>

==Anti-consumer legal cases==

===Privacy Violations===

====Rodriguez v. Google LLC (21 May 2021 - 3 Sep 2025)====
Google's "Web & App Activity" (WAA) setting had the ability to be paused. Reportedly, despite this setting being paused by consumers, Google would continue to collect consumer data regardless of consent.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rodriguez v. Google LLC |url=https://www.googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ#faq1 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251011171640/https://googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ |archive-date=11 Oct 2025}}</ref> Google collected mobile device data for eight years from users who opted out of tracking under the WAA.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Staab |first=Theresa |date=18 Sep 2025 |title=Someone is Always Watching: Implications of Google's WAA Privacy Case |url=https://lawreview.syr.edu/someone-is-always-watching-implications-of-googles-waa-privacy-case/ |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=Syracuse Law Review}}</ref> The dates of use/activity in question were between July 1, 2016 and September 23, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Oct 2024 |title=FAQs: Google Web App Activity lawsuit |url=https://help.wfu.edu/support/solutions/articles/13000825158-faqs-google-web-app-activity-lawsuit |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=Wake Forest University}}</ref> On September 3, 2025, the San Francisco Federal Court jury held Google liable two of three claims of privacy invasion. The plaintiffs were awarded $425.7 million in compensatory damages for invasion of privacy, totaling around $4 per person for the approximate 98 million affected users, but since the jury found that Google did not act with malicious intent, no punitive damages were awarded.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Mollman |first=Brittney |last2=Sosnicki |first2=Luke |date=2025-09-05 |title=Federal Jury Awards $425.7 Million in Google Privacy Case: Key Takeaways on Consent Design and Litigation Risk |url=https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/insights/federal-jury-awards-425-7-million-in-google-privacy-case-key-takeaways-on-consent-design-and-litigation-risk/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=Thompson Coburn LLP}}</ref> Google filed an appeal to this verdict "on the basis that the jury misunderstood the functionality of its privacy tools and that users were adequately informed through layered disclosures and consent flows"<ref name=":6" />. Claim submission may begin once the appeals process finishes<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-05 |title=$425M Verdict in Google Web & App Activity Privacy Class Action Lawsuit — Do You Qualify? |url=https://openclassactions.com/settlements/google-web-and-app-activity-privacy-class-action-lawsuit.php |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=OpenClassActions}}</ref>.

====''Thele v. Google LLC'' (''November 2025—'')====
On the 11th of November, 2025, Thomas Thele filed a demand for jury trial in a class action complaint against Google LLC. In the filing it states that "on or about October 10, 2025, Google secretly turned on Gemini for all its users’ Gmail, Chat, and Meet accounts, enabling AI to track its users’ private communications contained in those platforms without the users’ knowledge or consent" <ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolfson |first=Tina |last2=Ahdoot |first2=Robert |last3=Maya |first3=Theodore |last4=Brown |first4=Alyssa |date=2025-11-11 |title=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL |url=https://www.classaction.org/media/thele-v-google-complaint_2.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=ClassAction}}</ref>. The suit "alleges that Google is violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burnson |first=Robert |date=2025-11-12 |title=Google sued for allegedly using Gemini AI to secretly track user data |url=https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/google-sued-for-allegedly-using-gemini-ai-to-secretly-track-user-data-125111200603_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=Business Standard}}</ref>, a law enacted in 1967 which dictates the terms by which advances in technology can be used for the purpose of invading the privacy of citizens<ref>{{Cite web |date=1967 |title=CHAPTER 1.5. Invasion of Privacy |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&part=1.&title=15.&chapter=1.5 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=California Legislative Information}}</ref>. The defendant, Google LLC, filed a Motion to Dismiss which is scheduled to be heard on May 1, 2026<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-27 |title=Thele v. Google LLC |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/61129560/Thele_v_Google_LLC |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=PacerMonitor}}</ref>.

===Anti-competitive Behavior===

====Epic Games, Inc. v. Google Inc. (13 Aug 2020 - 31 May 2025)====
Google takes a 30% share of all revenue made through all sales made on the Play Store, which is a comparable figure to other digital storefronts such as the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Steam]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=7 Oct 2019 |title=Report: Steam's 30% Cut Is Actually the Industry Standard |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |url-status=live |website=ign.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211034837/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref> On 13th August 2020, [[Epic Games]] CEO Tim Sweeney updated both iOS and Android versions of ''Fortnite'' to redirect users to Epic Games' storefront to purchase in-game currency ("V-Bucks") alongside the respective first-party storefront, with incentives including cheaper prices if buying from Epic Games directly. This violated the Terms of Service of both Apple and Google's storefronts, and ''Fortnite'' was removed from both app stores the same day.

Epic Games would use this motion to file federal lawsuits against both Google and Apple, citing that these practices meant that the companies were engaging in anti-competitive behavior. Google lost in the lawsuit, but attempted to appeal the decision, in which they lost again.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=31 July 2025 |title=Epic just won its Google lawsuit again, and Android may never be the same |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |access-date=21 August 2025 |work=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260111151936/https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |archive-date=11 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Social Media Addiction Bellwether Trials===

====Los Angeles Superior Court, JCCP 5255 (2026)====
Starting in January of 2026, [[Meta]] (Facebook and [[Instagram]]) and [[Google]] ([[YouTube]]) faced legal claims of their platforms being intentionally addictive and harmful to children. [[ByteDance]] ([[TikTok]]) and Snap ([[Snapchat]]) were named initially, but settled for undisclosed terms before the trial began. A 19-year-old girl, referred to by the initials "KGM" or Kaley, and two other plaintiffs were selected for bellwether trials—test cases tried as part of an MDL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huamani |first=Kaitlyn |last2=Ortutay |first2=Barbara |date=9 Feb 2026 |title=Landmark trial accusing tech giants of harming children with addictive social media begins |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/landmark-trial-accusing-tech-giants-of-harming-children-with-addictive-social-media-begins |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2026 |website=PBS News}}</ref> On March 25, 2026, the California jury concluded in KGM's case that [[Meta]] and Google were guilty of negligent for their apps—[[Instagram]], Facebook, and [[YouTube]]—being deliberately built to be addictive, which the companies' executives knew this and failed to protect their youngest users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allyn |first=Bobby |date=25 Mar 2026 |title=Jury finds Meta and Google negligent in social media harms trial |url=https://www.npr.org/2026/03/25/nx-s1-5746125/meta-youtube-social-media-trial-verdict |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=npr}}</ref> [[Meta]] was charged to pay $4.2 million for compensatory and punitive damages, and charged Google $1.8 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Cecilia |last2=Mac |first2=Ryan |last3=Tan |first3=Eli |date=25 Mar 2026 |title=Meta and YouTube Found Negligent in Landmark Social Media Addiction Case |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/25/technology/social-media-trial-verdict.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2026 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

==See also==

===Products and Services===

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

*[[Advertising overload]]
*[[Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs]]
*[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]
*[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]
*[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]

==External links==

*"[https://www.jwz.org/xscreensaver/google.html XScreenSaver: Google Store Privacy Policy]". Google pretending to care about privacy by forcing a fully-local (no internet) minimal-permission screen-saver app to specify a privacy-policy. That blog-post contains many sources on Google's anti-consumer practices

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

Blink

2026-05-06T03:45:57Z

Sojourna: Undo revision 52921 by 68.93.185.225 (talk) There is no need to remove the alt text, and the section header should remain generic in this instance.

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2009
|Industry=Home security
|Logo=Blink.png
|ParentCompany=Amazon
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://blinkforhome.com/
|Description=IoT camera manufacturer acquired by Amazon in 2017. Since 2020, the cameras require a subscription for cloud storage and other necessary features.
}}
'''{{wplink|Blink Home |Blink}}''' is a manufacturer of home security cameras owned by [[Amazon]]. The company was acquired from Immedia Semiconductor as a subsidiary in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidcentral.com/amazon-buys-smart-doorbell-and-camera-maker-blink|title=Amazon buys smart doorbell and camera maker Blink|first=Joe|last=Maring|date=2017-12-22|work=Android Central|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103194309/https://www.androidcentral.com/amazon-buys-smart-doorbell-and-camera-maker-blink|archive-date=2023-11-03|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Consumer impact summary==
====Freedom====
Users are limited to the Blink app to manage their cameras, although there are plugins for services, such as Home Assistant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/blink/|title=Blink - Home Assistant|work=Home Assistant|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118100349/https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/blink/|archive-date=2025-01-18|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Privacy====
According to the privacy policy, users are allowed to delete their accounts through the app and manage customer support's temporary access to cameras during calls. In November 2020, [[Mozilla]] reviewed the Blink system's privacy features and gave it a neutral rating.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/blink-security-cameras/|title=Blink Security Cameras|work=Mozilla Foundation|date=2020-11-08|access-date=2025-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207170712/https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/blink-security-cameras/|archive-date=2024-12-07|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Business model====
In 2017, Blink cameras were free to use, though an optional "Blink Seecurity" system could be bought for $9.99/m or $19.99/m depending on the monitoring option.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/1/2/14052292/blink-camera-seecurity-price-date|title=Little Blink camera expands into whole-home security, for a price|first=Thomas|last=Ricker|work=TheVerge|date=2017-01-02|access-date=2025-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208013316/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/1/2/14052292/blink-camera-seecurity-price-date|archive-date=2024-12-08|url-status=live}}</ref> The $90 million acquisition by Amazon was mostly in part to obtain the “energy-efficient processor technology” and to differentiate from other smart home companies with 2-year battery life for cameras.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2019/amazons-blink-unveils-new-security-camera-proprietary-chip-enables-two-year-battery-life/|title=Amazon’s Blink unveils new security camera with ‘exclusive’ chip and two-year battery life|first=Todd|last=Bishop|date=2019-05-09|access-date=2025-03-17|work=GeekWire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306095929/https://www.geekwire.com/2019/amazons-blink-unveils-new-security-camera-proprietary-chip-enables-two-year-battery-life/|archive-date=2024-03-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of 2021, the business model of Blink relies on users spending monthly or yearly on a Blink subscription plan after the purchase of the cameras.<ref name="SubAmazon">{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Plus-Plan-monthly-auto-renewal/dp/B08JHCVHTY|title=Blink Subscription Plus Plan with monthly auto-renewal|work=Amazon|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211004340/https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Plus-Plan-monthly-auto-renewal/dp/B08JHCVHTY|archive-date=2025-02-11|url-status=live}}</ref> Before the introduction of subscriptions, Blink significantly increased their user base by offering free cloud storage and devices with battery life<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Blink-XT2-Outdoor-Security-included/dp/B096ZZ923V|title=Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera with cloud storage included, 2-way audio, 2-year battery life – 2 camera kit (Used Condition) |work=Amazon|access-date=2025-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908232302/https://www.amazon.com/Blink-XT2-Outdoor-Security-included/dp/B096ZZ923V?smid=A1KWJVS57NX03I&linkCode=sl1&tag=achrafourahoa-20&linkId=2ecbff960d0de3882b6c61a323b5e943&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl|archive-date=2021-09-08|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Market control====
Blink is one of the most well known battery-powered camera brands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-wireless-home-security-cameras/|title=Best Wireless Home Security Cameras of 2025 |first1=Tyler|last1=Lacoma|first2=Macy|last2=Meyer|work=CNET|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313015340/https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-wireless-home-security-cameras/|archive-date=2025-03-13|url-status=live}}</ref> Though there are others such as from [[TP-Link]], [[Arlo]], [[wikipedia:Google_Nest|Nest]], and [[Eufy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera/|title=The Best Outdoor Security Camera|first=Rachel|last=Cericola|work=New York Times Wirecutter|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313010507/https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera/|archive-date=2025-03-13|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===Introduction of subscription model===
[[File:Blink subscription chart.png|right|thumb|alt=|Price chart for subscriptions as of March 2025.]]
With the release of the Outdoor 3 and Mini<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techhive.com/article/578452/the-blink-mini-indoor-camera-is-blinks-least-expensive-cam-yet.html|title=The new $35 Blink Mini indoor camera is Blink’s least expensive cam yet|first=Ben|last=Patterson|work=Tech Hive|date=2020-04-02|access-date=2025-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524034607/https://www.techhive.com/article/578452/the-blink-mini-indoor-camera-is-blinks-least-expensive-cam-yet.html|archive-date=2022-05-24|url-status=live}}</ref> in 2020, Blink began switching from a free cloud model to a subscription system (finalized in early 2021<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techhive.com/article/579287/blink-announces-new-storage-options.html|title=Amazon’s Blink offers new storage options for its home security camera line|first=Micheal|last=Brown|work=Tech Hive|date=2021-03-19|access-date=2025-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122142210/https://www.techhive.com/article/579287/blink-announces-new-storage-options.html|archive-date=2022-01-22|url-status=live}}</ref>). The "basic plan" only allows 1 device per account ($3/m or $30/y<ref name="SubAmazon" />), while the "plus plan" allows for unlimited devices and includes an extended device warranty ($10/m or $100/y<ref name="SubAmazon" />).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_GB/subscriptions/purchase-blink-subscription-plan|title=Purchasing and Managing Blink Subscription Plans (US) |work=Blink|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007211653/https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_GB/subscriptions/purchase-blink-subscription-plan|archive-date=7 Oct 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Previous accounts with Indoor, XT, or XT2 devices were given "legacy" status, which allowed for 7,200 seconds of free cloud storage per sync module.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_GB/using-your-camera/blink-storage-options|title=Blink Storage Options|work=Blink|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251008100311/https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_GB/using-your-camera/blink-storage-options|archive-date=8 Oct 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Some users with legacy accounts have had issues where the app would have users on a "30 day trial period" when upgrading cameras.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/blinkcameras/comments/16gft91/is_legacy_account_gone/|title=Is legacy account gone? : r/blinkcameras|author=u/SandiB14|work=Reddit|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230912031923/https://old.reddit.com/r/blinkcameras/comments/16gft91/is_legacy_account_gone/|archive-date=12 Sep 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

Users have complained the app forces you into purchasing a subscription even with local storage, with one user alleging without one they cannot filter clips, cannot have stable doorbell live views, and clip names on the Sync Module 2 local storage are random numbers instead of dates, though others have reported different experiences without a subscription.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/blinkcameras/comments/yvqzz6/the_truth_about_blink_without_a_subscription/|title=The Truth about Blink without a subscription. : r/blinkcameras|author=u/sonnythemoney|work=Reddit|date=2022-11-15|access-date=2025-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222213107/https://old.reddit.com/r/blinkcameras/comments/yvqzz6/the_truth_about_blink_without_a_subscription/|archive-date=22 Feb 2026|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 8, 2025, Blink increased the price of the basic tier by $.99/m & $9.99/y, with plus by $1.99/m & $19.99/m as this was done "to reflect the benefits and improved features we’ve added, such as Moments, Person and Vehicle Detection".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_US/subscriptions/blink-subscription-plan-changes|title=Blink Subscription Plan Changes Starting October 8, 2025 |work=Blink|access-date=2026-02-16|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250909003517/https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_US/subscriptions/blink-subscription-plan-changes|archive-date=9 Sep 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> The company doubts this as being "the first time since 2021" they increased the price of subscriptions, with outlets noting the 1-3 year price lock existing users can get on the Amazon website.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.neowin.net/news/blink-jacks-up-prices-for-its-basic-and-plus-subscription-plans/|title=Blink jacks up prices for its Basic and Plus subscription plans |first=David|last=Uzondu|date=2025-09-09|work=Neowin|access-date=2026-02-16 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216212154/https://www.neowin.net/news/blink-jacks-up-prices-for-its-basic-and-plus-subscription-plans/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>
<gallery>
File:Blink legacy account chart.jpg|Chart for legacy account privileges.
File:Blink legacy account popup.png|Popup given to legacy accounts.
</gallery>
===Account bans for Homebridge use===
On April 16, 2021, it was reported that Blink accounts using a third-party Homebridge integration were banned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/22381356/blink-homebridge-crackdown-amazon-subscriptions|title=Why does Amazon hate its most enthusiastic smart home fans?|first=Thomas|last=Ricker|date=2021-04-16|work=TheVerge|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115210400/https://www.theverge.com/22381356/blink-homebridge-crackdown-amazon-subscriptions|archive-date=2025-01-15|url-status=live}}</ref> The reasons stated by Blink were "due to unsupported scripts or apps running on your system" and "the only automation that is permitted for use with the Blink system is through Alexa and/or IFTTT". According to Colin Bendell, the developer of the plugin, he states that 10,000 users of the plugin "is probably small potatoes for Amazon", as there were over 1 million downloads of the Android app.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.immediasemi.android.blink|title=Blink Home Monitor|work=Google Play|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728214821/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.immediasemi.android.blink|archive-date=2021-07-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to an email exchange with Blink, the company was willing to re-enable a flagged account if the user's third party scripts to acquire motion clips were disabled permanently.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://static.xtremeownage.com/blog/2022/reasons-to-avoid-cloud-based-automation-products/#amazon-ring-blink-etc|title=Reasons to avoid cloud-based home automation products|author=XtremeOwnage|date=2022-12-01|access-date=2025-10-03|website=xtremeownage.com |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260108023809/https://static.xtremeownage.com/blog/2022/reasons-to-avoid-cloud-based-automation-products/ |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Planned obsolescence===
For older cameras such as the Indoor, XT, and XT2, the local storage option for the Sync Module 2 cannot be utilized.<ref name="localstorage">{{Cite web|url=https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_GB/using-your-sync-module/sync-module-2-local-storage-operation|title=Blink Storage Options|work=Blink|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222213151/https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_GB/using-your-sync-module/sync-module-2-local-storage-operation|archive-date=22 Feb 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> The local storage only exists for the Mini, Doorbell, and Outdoor 3 & 4 model cameras on the Sync Module 2, with the maximum amount of attached storage being 256gb.<ref name="localstorage" /> Although the inclusion of previous camera models in local storage can be changed with a software update, that has not occurred.

In February 2026, Blink changed their support of the Blink Outdoor 3 and first generation Video Doorbell from being supported with software updates to at least December 31, 2029 to being "No longer guaranteed".<ref>{{Cite web |author=@ChickenLover_YT |date=2026-02-20 |title=Chicken Man on X: |url=https://nitter.catsarch.com/ChickenLover_YT/status/2024882350132191484 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322124623/https://nitter.catsarch.com/ChickenLover_YT/status/2024882350132191484 |archive-date=22 Mar 2026 |work=X.com |quote=.@blinkforhome This is absolute BULLSHIT. If you can't keep on your promises of supporting a device for another 3 years, then you should be sued into oblivion. Please share this around @404mediaco @arstechnica}}</ref> Users with these devices were not notified by Blink through the app or email regarding this change.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@ChickenLover_YT |date=2026-02-20 |title=Chicken Man on X: |url=https://nitter.catsarch.com/ChickenLover_YT/status/2024884406117085418 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322124641/https://nitter.catsarch.com/ChickenLover_YT/status/2024884406117085418 |archive-date=22 Mar 2026 |work=X.com |quote=I was not notified by Blink in the app or email regarding this either, I had to look at the support page myself to check out of curiosity.}}</ref>
<gallery>
Blink Outdoor 3 Software Support 10-2025.png|Supported in October 2025
Blink Outdoor 3 Software Support 02-2026.png|Unsupported in November 2026
</gallery>

===Enshitification===
Newer cameras such as the Blink Mini 2, Outdoor 4, Wired Floodlight, and Video Doorbell do not include motion snapshots in notifications as a result of "Early Notification".<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=What are Image Notifications? |url=https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_US/using-your-camera/image-notifications |website=Blink |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251018095921/https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_US/using-your-camera/image-notifications |archive-date=18 Oct 2025}}</ref> This is enabled by default and there is no way for the consumer to disable this setting through the app. Users have shared their frustrations with this change, with one user on [[Reddit]] (u/Runner-170) commenting: <blockquote>New Outdoor 4 cameras (I bought 2 two months ago) and very disappointing. First there extended range feature is questionable. Second and most important to me Outdoor 4 cameras do not work with Amazon Echo Dot motion announcement.

I have two older cameras 4-5 years, and they work fine. These announcements work very well obviously letting you know there has been some motion detected. I have been chatting with Blink tech support, and they know there is a known issue but have no information as to when they will fix.

Hard to believe old equipment works new does not. Hard to believe someone doesn't have time to look at the software code to identify error code and copy over. I would think management would step in, as this should be easy fix; not to mention the bad publicity of selling new cameras that don't work well. No quality assurance.

Very frustrating; I am thinking of sending them back and getting the older camera model.<ref>{{Cite web |author=darkmoon24 |title=Updated half of my cameras to Blink Outdoor 4 and they don't show an image preview on notification but old ones still do? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/blinkcameras/comments/17z3trn/updated_half_of_my_cameras_to_blink_outdoor_4_and/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=19 Nov 2023 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222213233/https://old.reddit.com/r/blinkcameras/comments/17z3trn/updated_half_of_my_cameras_to_blink_outdoor_4_and/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref></blockquote>
<gallery>
Blink Outdoor 3 notification.jpg|alt=Motion notification from Outdoor 3 camera (2020 model).|Motion notification from Outdoor 3 camera (2020 model).
Blink Outdoor 4 notification.jpg|alt=Motion notification from Outdoor 4 camera (2024 model).|Motion notification from Outdoor 4 camera (2024 model).
</gallery>

==Products==
*Modules
**Sync Module (2016)<ref name="BDSSU">{{Cite web|url=https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_GB/blink-device-software-security-updates|title=Blink Device Software Security Updates|work=Blink|access-date=2025-10-03|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004104021/https://support.blinkforhome.com/en_GB/blink-device-software-security-updates|archive-date=4 Oct 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
**Sync Module 2 (2020)<ref name="BDSSU" />
**Sync Module XR (2024)<ref name="BP">{{Cite web|url=https://blinkforhome.com/products|title=Cameras and Systems|work=Blink|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304063735/https://blinkforhome.com/products|archive-date=2025-03-04|url-status=live}}</ref>
**Sync Module Core (2025)<ref name="BDSSU" />
*Cameras
**Blink Indoor (2016)<ref name="BDSSU" />
**Blink XT (2017)<ref name="BDSSU" />
**Blink XT2 (2018)<ref name="BDSSU" />
**Blink Outdoor 3 (2020)<ref name="BP" />
**Blink Indoor 3 (2020)<ref name="BDSSU" />
**Blink Mini (2020)<ref name="BDSSU" />
**Mini Pan-Tilt (2022)<ref name="BP" />
**Blink Outdoor 4 (2023)<ref name="BP" />
**Blink Mini 2 (2024)<ref name="BP" />
**Blink Outdoor 2K+ (2025)<ref name="BDSSU" />
**Blink Mini 2K+ (2025)<ref name="BDSSU" />
**Blink Arc (2025)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/blink-arc-outdoor-camera-2k-home-security|date=2025-09-30|author=Amazon Staff|title=Blink unveils its all-new 2K camera lineup|access-date=2026-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116061551/https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/blink-arc-outdoor-camera-2k-home-security|archive-date=2026-01-16|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Doorbell
**Video Doorbell (2021)<ref name="BP" />
**Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) (2025)<ref name="BP" />
*Floodlights
**Wired Floodlight Camera (2023)<ref name="BP" />
**Outdoor 3 Floodlight Camera (2020)<ref name="BP" />
**Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera (2023)<ref name="BP" />

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

Projects:Archive everything

2026-05-06T03:31:34Z

Sojourna: /* The list */ Removed deleted article.

This project aims to get as many reference links as possible on the wiki switched over to archival links, instead of live links.

== The need to fight link rot ==
Everywhere on the internet, you get link rot - where linked pages either get taken offline, or changed, and the link is no longer useful for its original purpose. Link rot is a doubly serious issue for the Consumer Rights Wiki, as fairly substantial points of fact about companies or incidents may hang on our references, which will often point to a company's own website. The best available way to counter link rot is through archival, and this page serves as a hub for making sure every wiki article has its references archived.

Of particular importance are any links to central pieces of evidence used to support a claim of fact related to something a company has said or done, especially if it is on the website of a company, and can be taken down by them at any time. A reference supporting a more commonly available and frequently changing fact like 'Apple's market cap is $x' is not as important to archive as a company's FAQ, but it certainly won't hurt to do so.

Certain webpages are un-usable when archived, typically due to [[Pay-walling|paywalls]] or embedded dynamic content (typically powered by [[JavaScript]]), and archival may not be appropriate for links leading to this kind of page. Some webpages require the use of a specific archival service (e.g. PreserveTube for YouTube links). To archive pages behind registration or date-of-birth walls that archival services cannot bypass, make a screenshot of the content after getting past the wall and upload it to [https://archive.org/upload Internet Archive] and/or Consumer Rights Wiki; content hosted on the wiki may serve as an archival of ''last-resort'', but ideally, proper archival services should be used where possible.

== What you need to do ==
The best possible option is to archive a site in as many places as possible, but any archival link is much better than none at all.

The '''minimum''' correct formatting for an archived citation requires the title, url, archive-url, and archive-date fields and will look something like this:

<code><nowiki><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQ – End of operations |url=https://www.spexor-bosch.com/en/faq/faq-end-of-operations/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250923061946/https://www.spexor-bosch.com/en/faq/faq-end-of-operations/ |archive-date=23 Sep 2025}}</ref></nowiki></code>

The full list of possible additional fields can be found here: {{Wplink|Template:Cite web}}. All you need to do is archive the relevant un-archived webpage (or find an archived copy closer to the date the reference initially accessed it), and then update the reference with the archival link.

This can either be done through the source editor (in which case citations will look like the text block above) or through the visual editor's citation tool (this can be found by clicking Insert -> More... -> Citation, or pressing crtl+shift+k).

=== Archival services ===
* [https://web.archive.org/ Internet Archive] – Primary, most popular archival service, sometimes throttles/blocks VPN IPs. Upload video files and/or screenshots [https://archive.org/upload here] of content that cannot be archived via wayback machine (e.g. Twitter videos downloaded with yt-dlp).
* [https://ghostarchive.org/ Ghost Archive] – Secondary archival service.
* [https://megalodon.jp/ Megalodon] – Secondary, Japanese archival service. Can archive YouTube comments.
* [https://preservetube.com/ PreserveTube] – Specifically for archiving YouTube videos.

'''Archive.today has been deprecated.''' This is because they weaponised their site's visitors to [[wikipedia:Denial-of-service_attack#Distributed_DoS|DDOS]] some guy's blogs for bizarre internet argument reasons (which calls into question the reliability of the maintainer and site, and the ethics of using it), and it's also been alleged that they have tampered with archive pages, which hurts our ability to rely on the site as an archive which can be used to actually verify things and support the claims made in articles.

As archive.today is run by one person who has now brought a lot of scrutiny onto themselves through their actions, there's also a very real risk that they just take the site down, so where practical it would be sensible to migrate links archived using archive.today to an alternate archiving service.

The result of the Wikipedia community's discussion on this matter can be found {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/Archive.is_RFC_5|here}}.

For guidance on replacing Archive.today links, see {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Archive.today_guidance|here}}.

===Alternative frontends & mirrors===
The following is a list of services that expose more lightweight, HTML-based, and ultimately more archive-friendly user interfaces of popular sites. '''They are not archival services in and of themselves.''' Some instances may have captchas that end up blocking certain archival services, try several.

* [https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/wiki/Instances Nitter]: Allows for viewing Twitter/X replies without login and therefore only way to archive replies. The best way to cite Twitter/X references.
* [https://codeberg.org/irelephant/kittygram#instances Kittygram]: Nitter-like frontend for Instagram.
* [https://github.com/redlib-org/redlib-instances/blob/main/instances.md Redlib]: Lightweight like old.reddit, good for getting around 18+/nsfw gates that archival services cannot pass (some subreddits flag all posts as nsfw regardless of content).
* [https://sci-hub.st/ SciHub]: Allows for the free and open access viewing of PDFs of many papers, great for getting around academic publisher paywalls to directly archive cited papers by archiving the SciHub page hosting the PDF. Alternatively, try reaching out to original authors and they will usually be happy to provide a copy for reference/citation on this wiki.
* [[Special:Upload|Consumer Rights Wiki]]: Upload screenshots of pages or PDFs for direct quoting or if an archival service cannot get past something like a registration-wall. Do not upload more of an article than is necessary for supporting the citation. Archive the CRW link or upload the file to [https://archive.org/upload Internet Archive file uploads] as CRW is '''not an archive on its own'''.

==The list==
Below is a manually updated table of (hopefully) all pages on the wiki, and the current status of their references.

Pages that are missing a references section or have an empty references section are listed as "N/A" as they either do not have links that need archiving, or if they do then those links need to be correctly moved to the references section and/or the page completed/cleaned/reformatted before adding archived links, which is beyond the scope of this project (See [[:Category:Articles in need of additional work]]). This may change if references are properly added to these pages in the future.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Page Name!!References Archived?!!Archived By
|-
|[[1Password]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[2021 WhatsApp privacy policy updates]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3B CPAP Devices (3b Medical) (ReactHealth)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3CX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3D printers]]||N/A||
|-
|[[3D Printing restrictions and bans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[4k Video Downloader+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[5CA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[7-Eleven]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[About]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Accellion data breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Acer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Acer Leap Ware smartwatch bricked by discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Acer settles online breach probe for $115k]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Activision Blizzard]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activision Blizzard account lock and forced arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activision discontinues Blur video game]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ad block]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ADDW car systems legislated in the EU]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Adobe Creative Suite activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe Digital Editions' ebook DRM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe ToS update gives the company rights over consumers' works]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe sued by FTC over hidden fees in subscription plans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Advertising overload]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adware]]||N/A||
|-
|[[AEG Powertools]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AEG Power Tools 58V product line discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Age verification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AirAsia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AirPods]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[AirPods connection vulnerability]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[AirPods Max moisture issue]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Airsoft GI]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Airtel Axis Credit Card devaluation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Airthings ASA app release]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AI usage policy]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Akelius]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Alien Rides]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[AlienRides LLC tries and bans all importation of Electric Unicycles using patent law unless licensing fee is paid.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Alliance Laundry Solutions and Speed Queen]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Allstate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Alltech Services Inc]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Ally Financial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ally Invest Securities]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Amazon Fire TV]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle discontinues support for pre-2013 devices]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle removes download feature of purchased books]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon PhotosPlus discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon alters the content of purchased ebooks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon locks home owner out of Amazon account over allegation by Amazon delivery driver]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon Luna revocation of third-party games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon revokes access to their Appstore on non-Amazon devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Amazon to charge non-Prime consumers to use Alexa]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AMD]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AMD Platform Security Processor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ancestry.com]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android data collection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Android Developer Verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android System SafetyCore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anker]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anker Battery Bank Recall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anova Culinary]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Anova oven app subscription model]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anthem]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthem server shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthropic]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthropic Claude Code HERMES.md billing flaw]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Anthropic system prompt overrides consumersafety in Claude models]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anti-Cheat Expert]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Anti-privacy legislation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Anti-rollback/ARB for device firmware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Aotearoa/New Zealand consumer law]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple's planned obsolescence incidents]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple App Store]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Apple authorized service provider program]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Gatekeeper]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Apple introduces OS-level age verification]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Apple macOS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Media Services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple removes apps aiding protests]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Self Service Repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple TV+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Applebee's]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Apps deliberately refusing to work on modded devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arby's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arduino]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ariston]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Arity's alleged unauthorized driver data collection through mobile apps]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arlo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Ars Technica fake AI article on AI accusations]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Article suggestions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Artificial intelligence]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Artificial intelligence/training]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Assioma]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS charges for previously free service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[ASUS "sliding clip" battery connector defect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS downgrades a well-reviewed monitor panel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Asustor Drivestor NAS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AT&T]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Atlassian]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ATSC 3.0]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audi]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audible]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Audible class action lawsuit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audible subsidizes its streaming plan via premium credits]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Aura]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Australia Competition and Consumer Act 2010]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Autel - Otofix]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Authy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Autodesk]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Autodesk Fusion EOL on Intel based MacOS systems running OpenCore legacy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Automatic content recognition]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Automotive digital rights management]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Avid Technology]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AWS Lightsail Won't Cancel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Axis]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Axis Bank]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Axon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Backdoor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bait-and-switch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Balena]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Farm Manager]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Lab]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bambu Lab Authorization Control System]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Lab LAN mode guide]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bambu private keys leaked less than 24 hours after announcement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandai Namco EULA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandcamp]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Bandicam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandicam perpetual license invalidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Battery Health Assistance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Battery firmware lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Belkin]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Best Buy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Best Buy discontinuation of Insignia Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BetterHelp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Better Way Electronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bitly]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Bitly QRCodeGenerator.com QR code lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bitly QR Code preview page advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlackVue]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive, Ghost Archive, Megalodon
|-
|[[BlackVue firmware security vulnerabilities]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[BlackVue GPS location broadcasting]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[BlackVue mandatory app registration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Blink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloatware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloomberg]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloomberg DMCA strikes GamersNexus video]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Blu-Ray Ultra-HD DRM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlueCruise hands-free driving]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlueDriver OBD2 scanner now requires account login and collects data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW API restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[BMW's high beam assistant (HBA)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-p
|[[BMW Proprietary Screws]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Booking.com]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Booking.com Post-Payment Terms Disclosure]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Bootloader unlocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bosch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bosch Cloud Dishwasher Incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bosch Spexor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Bose]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Bose QuietComfort Sleepbuds doesn't allow purchasing new case]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bose SoundTouch end of life treatment]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[BowFlex, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Box Tops for Education]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brainly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Brave browser]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brave puts affiliated links in the address bar]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brax]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Breville Coffee Maker]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brilliant]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Broadband choice reduction by Brendan Carr's FCC]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Broadcom Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Brother Industries Ltd.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother DCP-L3550CDW aftermarket toner failure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother printers causing issues with third party inks]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Buffalo Wild Wings]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bumpgate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bungie]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bunnings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bureau of Consumer Protection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Burger King]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Buy now, pay later]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Buy one, get one free]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[ByteDance]]||N/A||
|-
|[[California Privacy Rights Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cambridge Analytica Scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cameras bricked on iPhone 13 series after iOS update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Cami Research]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canadian Bill S-209]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canadian bread price fixing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canadian internet providers circumvent CRTC protection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canary]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canon Camera Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon EOS Webcam Utility patch guide]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Canon ink DRM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon legacy scanner driver abandonment]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon printers disable scanning when ink is low]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canonical]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canva]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Canva 2019 data breach]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canva Affinity Studio adds arbitration clause]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Capital One]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Capital One Shopping]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[CAPTCHA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[CARIAD]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Carly]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Casey Stefanski]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Cava Grill]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cerberus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cerberus Phone Security Login with ad blocker no longer possible]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CF Moto puts previously included features behind paywall]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CgNAT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chamberlain Group]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chamberlain removes API access from new and existing garage door openers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Change.org]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Charles Schwab]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chase Bank]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chat Control]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[ChatGPT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ChatGPT-4o]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chevron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chick-fil-A]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Chipotle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Chrome OS ends support for school Chromebooks]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Chromium]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chuwi - 7430U product false advertisement]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cinemark]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Circular economy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco anti-competitive practices lawsuits]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Cisco Removing access to critical downloads for products that are end-of-support]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Requiring a service contract to download in-support device firmware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Smart Licensing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Systems, Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Claude]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive, Megalodon
|-
|[[Clearview AI]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Click-to-cancel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Click Adventure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Clip Studio Paint changes perpetual license to subscription model]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Clippy Campaign]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Cloud (service)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Cloudflare]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Clover Network, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[COBB Tuning]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Coffee Meets Bagel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Coles 'Down Down' price manipulation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Colgate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Collective Shout]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Colorado SB26-090 critical infrastructure exemption]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Comcast]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commercial weather apps lose summary proceedings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commodity Futures Trading Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commonwealth Bank collection of Biometric Data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CompTIA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ConnectedLife SmartDry discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consent-or-pay]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Advice (UK)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Defense Code]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Consumer Financial Protection Bureau]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Rights Act 2015]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Technology Association]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Corporate greed]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Costco]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Costco's collection and sharing of data through Meta's tracking pixel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Covert web-to-app tracking by Meta and Yandex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cox Communications]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Crash Team Racing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Crave app refuses televisions based on production date]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creality]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creality forces update that removes features from their 3D scanners]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creative Fabrica licensing risks and ownership verification concerns]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Cricut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Crunchyroll]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cryptic Studios]]||N/A||
|-
|[[CSS tracking]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cuisinart]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CursorAI adds rate limits to unlimited plans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CYBERGUN]]||N/A||
|-
|[[CYMA Airsoft]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Daily Wire + lifetime Membership Terms Scope of the Subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dairy Queen]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dark pattern]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Data brokers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Datacolor "sunsetting" older Spyder monitor calibrators]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Data lock-in]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DAZN]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DCS sues small YouTuber for accurate review]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[De-anonymization]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Dead star server shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Deep Cycle Systems]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[DeepSeek]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Deerrun walking pads & treadmills startup]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Delisting and shut down of Age of Empires 3]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dell]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denny's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denon HEOS Speakers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denuvo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Derrimut Gym revokes 24/7 access after running sale promoting 24/7 access gym]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deutsche Kreditbank (DKB)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Device bricking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Device fingerprint]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Device lifecycle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deye]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dictionary.com shuts down premium app after selling lifetime subscriptions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Childhood Alliance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Fairness Act]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Digital Markets Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital rights management]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Disabling online features in retaliation]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Disc rot]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Discontinuation bricking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discontinuation of Ikawa Home Roasters]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Disboard]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Discord]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discord's mandatory age verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discord / 5CA Data Breach]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney requires an active subscription to delete a Disney+ account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+ ad policy change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+ household restrictions and access limitations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DIW7022 mandatory wireless operation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DJI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Osmo Pocket 3]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DJI Ronin RS4 Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Romo robot vacuum vulnerability]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DMarket]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[DMCA Section 1201]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Domino's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Doordash]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Downloadable content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DSGVO-Portal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DuckDuckGo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Duolingo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Duracell Energy EV Charger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dymo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dynamic pricing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson V10/V11 trigger design]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson battery lifespan reduced by design and difficult to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson covers circuit board in glue]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson ends relationship with third-party repair centers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[E-Bike Tuning Detection: Bosch and Yamaha’s Anti-Tampering Systems]]||N/A||
|-
|[[EA moves to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EA releases source code of classic command and conquer titles]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EA requires open beta players of battlefield 6 to change their motherboard bios settings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EBay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EBay opts-in users for AI training]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Echelon fitness firmware lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Ecoflow]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EduVULCAN]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Eight Sleep]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EINSTAR VEGA hidden activation requirement before file transfer is enabled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Electronic Arts]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Electronics leasing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Elgato forces Stream Deck users to sign up]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Elon Musk]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Elsagate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat - ST55U]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[End-user license agreement]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Enshittification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Entities refusing to distribute copyleft licensed software under license terms]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EO]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Epic Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Epic Games forces third party account creation in Rocket League]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Epik]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Epson printer waste ink counter restrictions]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Etoro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[EU enforcement actions against Shein for consumer rights violations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Eufy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Europe-based news sites enact consent-or-pay for data tracking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[European Consumer Centre on the Lack of Quality Standards for Exalted Skins]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EVGA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EviCore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Excessive data collection by cars]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Extron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EZVIZ]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[F1TV concurrent streams limit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[F-Droid]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Facebook account recovery requires mobile phone verification with limited non-SMS alternatives]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fairphone 5 bricked by faulty Android 15 update]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Fake lifetime license]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fake memory still being sold on eBay and Amazon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fal (AI company)]]||N/A||
|-
|[[False advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fandom]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Fear of missing out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Feature ransom]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Features on demand]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Federal Communications Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Federal Trade Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ferrari]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Figma]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Figma threatens companies using "Dev Mode"]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fiio]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Filmora lifetime licenses terminated]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Final Draft software activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Financial Industry Regulatory Authority]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Financial censorship]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Firefox]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Firefox introduces TOS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[First-sale doctrine]]||N/A||
|-
|[[First Press Games not producing goods paid for]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fisher-Price discontinues Smart Connect app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fitbit]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 Battery Performance Program]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Flat Earth Clock App]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Flightradar24]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Flo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Flock Safety]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Flock Safety Nova uses dark web data for surveillance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Flock license plate readers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Forced app download]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced account]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced arbitration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced cloud]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forced eSIMs]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced identification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced indemnification]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forced retention of payment methods]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced User Agreement on Jetbrains IntelliJ software]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forcing full motherboard replacement in mid range phones]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ford ad patent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Ford Connected Built-In Navigation trial and removal of service]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford Mustang Mach E 2026 Requires Payment for Frunk]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Ford repossession patent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Formlabs]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Formlabs acquisition of Micronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Fortnite]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fossify]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Framework]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[FreePhoneLine revokes Lifetime VoIP service for monthly subscription model]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Free software movement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Friend app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Frontier Airlines]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Frontier Airlines obfuscates web check-in form]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fruitbat Factory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[FTC Lawsuit against Turbo Tax free software]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[FTC sues PepsiCo for rigging Soft Drink Competition]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fujifilm Instax Cameras]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Funimation "Forever" Content License Revocation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[FUTO]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Future Motion]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Futurehome]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Futurehome Smarthub mandatory subscription fee]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Gaia GPS adds "feature" that opts all users into social media profile and location/activity sharing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Game-of-telephone privacy policy]]||N/A||
|-
|[[GameSpy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GameSpy server shutdown]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GameStop]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[GameStop Short Squeeze]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Games as a service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GE Appliances]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Geeni]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GeForce Now]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[General Data Protection Regulation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Electric refrigerators]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors (OnStar)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors data collection and sharing controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Generative artificial intelligence]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Genshin Impact]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GE Refrigerator water filter DRM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gigantti pressured additional subscriptions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gillette]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GitHub]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Glance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Glasswire]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GOG.com]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoGuardian]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoIt changing its warranty conditions post-sale]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoPro]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoPro Karma]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[GoPro advertises waterproof cameras despite design flaw and lack of warranty]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoTo Group]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Good2Go Mobile (Canada) phases out 3G network, Merges with LuckyMobile]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Goodlife now require App to access gyms]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoodRX sells health information to advertisers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Android restrict app sideloading]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Chrome]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Google Chrome automatically disables uBlock Origin]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Chromebook]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google forces your device to join their "Find Hub" network, hard to opt out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Gemini]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Jamboard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google LSA terms of service change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Mobile Services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Nest]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google OnHub]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google password manager overrides third-party autofill]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Google Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel 9 Pro camera bar separates from phone body]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Buds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Buds "Touch and Hold" discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Watch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Google Play Integrity API]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google search engine supports opaqueness for companies]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GrapheneOS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GREE Electric]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Greenwashing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Groupon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gryphon Online Safety, Inc.]]||N/A||
|-
|[[GTA 5 moves to kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Guardzilla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Guide:How to circumvent Synology hard drive restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Guide: HP Ink Cartridge ID Chip Swap]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Guide - Windows 10 end of support]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Gun Safe Widespread Deceptive Advertising]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[H&R Block]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Haier]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Halfords Limited]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Happy Bar & Grill biometric surveillance tool development]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Happiest Baby]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hardware as a service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Hauptwerk expiration of perpetual license download]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HBO Max]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HBO Max downgrades lifetime subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[HealthEquity difficult login]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Helldivers 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HelloSimply.com]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HelloSimply.com: easy to subscribe, difficult to unsubscribe]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Hidden EULA language]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hikvision]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hisense]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hisense adds unskippable ads to its GUI on the Spanish models]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Hisense H9G Smart TV]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[HNGRYnsite Camera: From smart kitchen aid to e-waste]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hogwarts Legacy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Home Bargains]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Home Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Honda]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Honda requires connection of the car to the internet and creating an account to be able to download offline map updates.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Hotelgiftcard creates surprising expenses for consumers]]||N/A||
|-
|[[How to help]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HP adds 15 minutes to all customer service phone calls]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Dynamic Security]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Instant Ink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[HP Laptop Subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Printers locking functionality behind ink availability]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Reverb G2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP systemic DRM and firmware lockouts]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Huawei]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humane Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humble Bundle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humble Bundle alters terms of sale]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hyundai]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brake pad repair restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[iCloud]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ID.me]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IFTTT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IFTTT discontinued Legacy plan]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IHOP]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IKEA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IKEA ÅSKVÄDER]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ILife]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Imgur]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[In-N-Out Burger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Inactive account deletion]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Inclusion of forced arbitration in Crunchyroll January 2025 TOS update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Indeed forced arbitration and bundling of consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Infomaniak]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360 X5]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Instacart uses algorithmic pricing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Instagram]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Instagram removes end-to-end encryption for direct messages]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Intel]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Intel CPUs stability issue]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Intel Management Engine]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Interactive Brokers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Interchangeable parts]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Internet Archive]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Internet of things]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Intuit]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Invitation Homes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IP Biometrix]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[iPhone]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IPhone 6 error 53 fingerprint sensor incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[iRobot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Itch.io]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Itron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jack in the Box]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Jagex revokes grandfathered RuneScape monthly subscription pricing after purchasing yearly subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jailbreak]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jamba Juice]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JavaScript]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jeep]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JetBlue Travel Credits]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JetBrains retires CodeCanvas]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jimmy John's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[John Deere]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere dealerships lobby against right to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere fails to uphold right to repair agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere security flaws exposed sensitive customer information]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Jones v. Ford Motor Co.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kemper guitar amplifer modeler puts features behind paywall after firmware update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kerbal Space Program 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kernel level anti-cheats]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kernel level driver]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Keurig]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Keychron k13 pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Keyshot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KFC]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kilter Board]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KingSong]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KPN mandatory SMS authentication]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kroger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kroger Grocery store electronic shelf labels & facial recognition]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kroger merger deal with Albertson]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kwik Trip]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Kwikset discontinues Kevo smart lock app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[L.A. Noire "Patch" mandates use Rockstar Games Launcher and Social Club account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LA Fitness makes it purposely difficult to cancel memberships]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LaLiga forces Spanish ISPs to mass-block Cloudflare IPs during Soccer Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lamborghini]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LastPass]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Leadwerks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[League of Legends: Exalted Skins Exclusive Cosmetics]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Lebara]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Legal lockout]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Lemmy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo Mirage AR]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo Tablets (Android)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Leo Express]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[LG Bootloader incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG G4 malfunctions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG Television sale of personal data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG refrigerator warranty scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Liberty Safe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lieferando]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Life360]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Life360 Terms of Service forced arbitration agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Lightspeed Aviation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lincare Holdings Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Linea Sketch revokes lifetime licenses]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LinkedIn]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[List of anti-consumer SLAPP lawsuits]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[List of Google products]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of companies]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of companies that automatically void warranties for repaired products]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of companies that block Internet Archive]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[List of discontinued online-only video games]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of kernel-level anti cheats]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of phones that do not allow bootloader unlock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of products and services with forced arbitration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of products and services with post-purchase license change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[List of products bricked by discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of services without clear cancellation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Litter Robot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Little Machine Shop]]||N/A||
|-
|[[LiveRamp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LiveView Technologies]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech G HUB]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech Harmony]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech webcams]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Louis Rossmann - Video Directory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[MagicGate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Magic Leap]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MakerBot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malicious compliance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malwarebytes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mandatory data collection on PlayStation's PC ports]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ManyCam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mark Zuckerberg]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mastercard]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Maytag]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda DMCA takedown of open source Home Assistant app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's 2017 India Leak]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's Japan malware attack]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[McDonald's South Korea and Taiwan Hack]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Medical equipment]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meetup.com account creation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mega.io]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Memrise]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meraki MS390]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercado Libre]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz EQS rear-wheel steering requires subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercury Insurance]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Merkury Innovations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Meta]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meta AI permanent account suspensions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meta Portal]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Micron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Micron retires Crucial products from consumer business]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Microsoft account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Authenticator]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Copilot]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Microsoft Copilot's recall feature]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Edge]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft ends use of bypassnro.cmd for Windows 11]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Office 365]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Microsoft Windows]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Windows 11]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Miele]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MikroTik ignoring WiFi disconnecting after firmware upgrade on hAP ax3 / ax2 / cAP ax]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Miku]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Miku charges subscription for previously free features]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Miku Terms of Service and Arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Milwaukee battery drm]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MinIO Object Browser: Removal of Management Features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft account migration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft Beta pre-1.8's lack of authentication]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Minecraft Chat Reporting and Restriction]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Minecraft enforcing undisclosed server EULA terms]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Minecraft LAN gameplay paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft post-purchase ownership rights changes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[MinestoreCMS converting your license without approval]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MIRC]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MitID]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mitsubishi Group]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Model F Labs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Moderation problems in online marketplaces]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mojang]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Mojang shuts down community-run Minecraft servers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Molekule did not disclose air purifier data vulnerability]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down their app if purifiers used with third party air filters]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Monetization overload]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Monopoly]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Monoprice]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Monsanto]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Motorola]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Movies Anywhere]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mozilla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MSI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MSI motherboard CMOS battery obsolescence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mullvad VPN]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MyFitnessPal regressive upgrade]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Namecheap]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nanoleaf]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[National Grid USA smart meter data collection in New York and Massachusetts]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[National Security Agency]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NDAA has military right to repair stripped from it in favor of data as a service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Neato cloud shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Negative option marketing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nestlé]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NetLimiter]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Netatmo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netatmo Zigbee devices refuse to connect to third-party gateways]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Netflix]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix Games deactivated]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix delisting 23 game titles]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix stream-quality controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netgate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Newag]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ngenic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ngenic forces subscription on previously “lifetime” Tune customers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Niimbot label printer (RFID-tagged labels)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nike]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nike Adapt: Smart shoes with app Integration and discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nikon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Nintendo's May 2025 Policy Updates]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo 3rd party dock restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch bans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nissan]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nissan EVconnect application shutdowns (UK)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nissan shuts 2G car service in UK]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nitro PDF License Deactivating]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nitro Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nixplay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Non-disclosure agreement]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Non-fungible tokens]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[NOOK 1st gen devices end of life]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NordVPN]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Notability]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nothing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nothing Phone (1)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Now TV]]||N/A||
|-
|[[NOYB]]||N/A||
|-
|[[NProtect GameGuard]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Nvidia]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nvidia buys stake in Intel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nvidia threatens GamersNexus]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZ eRUC all-cars 24/7 GPS Surveillance proposal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZXT]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZXT Flex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Oasis Water]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Octopus Energy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Oculus (Meta) Quest 1 Deprecation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ofcom]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Okkazeo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ola Electric disables vehicle riding modes without MoveOS+ subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OneDrive]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OnePlus]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Oneplus AI tools / Mindspace]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Oneplus phone update introduces hardware anti-rollback]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OpenAI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Openclaw.ai]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Opera]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Opt-out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Optimum]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Optus]]||N/A||
|-
|[[OtO Lawn discontinues solutions program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Other Channels - Video Directory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Otter.ai]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Palantir]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Panasonic Lumix S5IIX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Panda Express]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Panera Bread]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Panera's failure to disclose a known security breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Papa John's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Paragon NTFS software license invalidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Part pairing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Patreon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pay-walling]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PayPal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PayPal Honey]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[PayPal requests ID post-purchase for cryptocurrency]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Payscore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PCIe power connector design linked to melting GPU cables]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PEAK (video game)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pearson]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[PeerTube]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pelco]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Peloton]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Peloton removes Just Run feature]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Peloton used-equipment activation fee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PepsiCo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PepsiCo sued by FTC for rigging Soft Drink Competition]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Perplexity AI]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Perplexity throttles PRO subscribers without prior notice]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Persona]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Personal Data Protection Law]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Personal Information Protection Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Personalized ads]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PETKIT Pura Max 2 — Region-Lock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PFAS cover-up]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[PHH Mortgage Corporation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Philips]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Philips Hue: MotionAwareTM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Philips Hue starts requiring an account for the Hue app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Philips shuts down Smart TV service of a lot models sold between 2009 and 2013]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Phone Number Prefix Normative]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Photobucket]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pinterest]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pitboss Grills]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Pixel 5a]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pizza Hut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Planned obsolescence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PlayStation 3 "Yellow Light of Death"]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation 3 Removal of OtherOS with System Update 3.21]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation Lease with Flex]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PlayStation Network Account Requirement for PC Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation restricts how developers can give upgrades to "PS5" editions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Plex Media Server]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pluralsight]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pluralsight revokes lifetime licenses]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Plutus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PNC Bank]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pocket Casts]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Podkicker Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PolarBackup - Cloud Storage]]||N/A||
|-
|-
|[[Polestar]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Polestar 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Polestar paywalls performance update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Popeyes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Positive practices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Post-purchase EULA modification]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Poste Italiane turned a free identification service into a subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Predatory microtransactions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Presonus removes VSL mixing app from VSL audio interfaces products line]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Price fixing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Printer tracking dots]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PROCON]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proposed Ring-Flock partnership (2025-2026)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Protection One 320P1 Security System]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proton]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proton Mail]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Proton Mail discloses activist IP address to police]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proven Industries v. Trevor McNally]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PsychonautWiki Journal locks drug & interaction tracking behind Paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Purism]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Qantas]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Qantas sale of tickets for cancelled services (ghost flights)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Qardio]]||N/A||
|-
|[[QIDI 3D printer house fire]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Qualcomm]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Quidd]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[QuikTrip]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[RAM Shortage]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Raylo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer account “Human Verification” promotes World ID biometric verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer Corp. Ends Software Degrading Consumer Devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer Pro Click and Pro Click Mini]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ReCAPTCHA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reason Studios]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reckon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Robin]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Red Shell tracker]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Sky Labs Muzio Player Premium post-purchase terms change]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Ventures]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Redbox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Reddit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reddit made it impossible for blind Redditors to moderate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Remote disabling]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Renault Zoe connected services subscription]]||N/A||
|-
|[[RepairShopr]]||N/A||
|-
|[[RepairShopr data privacy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ResellerRatings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Restaurant Brands International]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Restaurant Brands International caught training AI models using customer voices]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Retailers requiring police reports for missing items in orders]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Retroactive policy enforcement]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Retroid Pocket MINI Handheld]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reverse engineering Bambu Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reverse engineering vs illegal hacking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut blocked access for users with custom OS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut blocking Lyca Mobile automated payment blocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut verify ID email spam]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Richard Stallman]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rights stripping]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Right to own]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Right to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ring]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Riot Vanguard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rivian]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Robinhood Financial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Roblox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roblox's problematic moderation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roborock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rocksmith]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rockstar Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rohde & Schwarz]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roku]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rosetta Stone]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rosetta Stone bricks legacy CD-based and downloadable software]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rovio]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Ryanair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Salad and Go]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Samsung ads in refrigerators]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Bothersome visual and audible pop up every 2 hours on certain TV models]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Frame TV asks for subscription to view photos]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3's camera gets artificially blocked after unlocking the bootloader]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Gear 360 software and services discontinued]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Odyssey]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Samsung One UI 8 Bootloader Restriction]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung self-repair program restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung SmartCam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Samsung TVs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sandisk disables IXpand drive app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sandisk Wireless Flash Drives]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sassy Saints review copyright claim]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Save Wizard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Scopely, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Screenshot blocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Scribd]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seagate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seagate sells old hard drives as new]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seattle Avionics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SecuROM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[SecuRam installs backdoor on ProLogic series safe locks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Secure boot]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Secure gateway module]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Securities and Exchange Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Securities and Exchange Commission search tools]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Security]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Security through obscurity]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Self-destructive design]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Self-hosting]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sengled]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Serato DJ Pro / DJM-S11]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sevenhugs Smart Remote products discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sezzle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shake Shack]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shell]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Shimano]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Shoney's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shopee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shortage of medical ventilators during COVID-19 pandemic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shrinkflation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sideloading]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sig Sauer]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Signal]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Signal cloud backups]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SimplePractice]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Singapore police jail woman based on data stored in car infotainment system]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Singtel, Singapore Telecommunications Limited]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SiriusXM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Sketchfab]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Skoda Citigo Move&Fun app discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SkyDrop (Smart Irrigation)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Slack]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SLAPP suits and legal intimidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Slashdot websites require TOS acceptance without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smart meter]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartaira & plume wifi motion detection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartwool]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Smartwool adds forced arbitration to EULA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartyplus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Snapchat]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Software as a service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Software bricking]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Software-gating]]||N/A||
|-
|[[SolaX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonos]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Sony]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony's attempted removal of "purchased" content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony PlayStation 30-day license check controversy (2026)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sony Playstation hardware bans from online services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Sony PlayStation Vita proprietary memory card ban]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony Xperia turns camera monitor into subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony x900h television]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sophos Limited]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SoundCloud]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sparx Skate Sharpener]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spectrum]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spore (game)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spotify]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Spotify Car Thing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Spyware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Square Reader]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Stadia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[StarForce Technologies]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Star Citizen]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Starlink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Starlink replaces subscription pause with $5/mo low speeds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Steam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Steam Deck]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SteamOS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SteelSeries]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis customer data breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis in-car advertisements]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[STMicroelectronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Stop Killing Games]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Storefront shutdown]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Storj.io constantly removes free or low cost services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stripe]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stångåstaden kickbacks and hidden rent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subaru Starlink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subscription service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subway]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subway footlong pass ineligibility]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[SumUp blocks card readers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SunStrong Management LLC puts solar monitoring app behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Superhive]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Swiffer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Swiggy and Zomato refuse to refund customers for cancelled orders]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Switch Game Key-Card]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Synology]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Systemd Adds Age Indication Ahead of Schedule]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Taco Bell]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tado]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Take Two]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tapo P115 firmware update breaks Home Assistant integration]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Target]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TD Ameritrade]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TDK AIsight]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tea Dating Advice]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Team17]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TeamViewer]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TeamViewer terminates perpetual licenses]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tekken 8 retroactively introducing micro transactions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telecom Egypt]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telegram]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telstra]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Temu]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Terms of service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Terumo Cardiovascular]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Terumo Cardiovascular discontinues third-party repair of System 1]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Tesla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Tesla Cybertruck voids warranty if Powershare feature is used]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla asks customers to vote against Right to Repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla blames drivers for part failures it admits were defective]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla locks battery range behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla locks heated rear seats behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla locks horsepower behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla Powerwall]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla remote FSD removal over third-party accessories]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tesla switches full self-driving to subscription only]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Testo disables free Saveris Cloud and forces paid subscription on existing customers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tesvor x500]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Texas Consumer Complaint Portal]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Texas Instruments]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The Coca-Cola Company]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The Consumer Right to Repair Digital Electronics Equipment Act (Colorado)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[The Economist]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[The Italian digital identity wallet only supports Google-certified Android devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The US undermines the Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework with the EU by firing PCLOB staff]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The rights of residential and holiday mobile homeowners (England)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Thinkpad X1 Carbon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Thrive Market]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tidal updates terms without explanation or opportunity to decline]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TikTok]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TikTok and AI-powered ad tracking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tim Hortons]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tim Hortons app collects user data without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tinder]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[T-Mobile T-Life app screen recording controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[T-Mobile US]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tokyo Marui]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Tom Evans Audio copyright strike]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Tonies]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Top Contributors]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Toyota]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[TP-Link]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TracFone Wireless, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Trump Mobile]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Trusted computing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Turkcell Superonline]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tuya Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Twitch]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tyre warranty sold via mobile fitting, redeemable only at fixed garages]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Uber]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Uber EULA precludes jury trial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubiquiti]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ubisoft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Ubisoft forces players in single-player games to be connected to the internet to collect data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubisoft in-game data collection GDPR complaint (2025)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubox / Anisee / RBX-B10 4G Low-Power Solar Wifi Security Camera]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[UFC-Que Choisir]]||N/A||
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[UltiMaker]]||N/A||
|-
|[[UniTranslate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Uniform Commercial Code]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[United Chargers Inc puts Open Source interface access behind paywall on Grizzl-E car chargers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unity]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unity Engine runtime fee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Universal Music Group has a team dedicated to eroding fair use rights]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Unlocking Technology Act of 2013]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unnecessary retirement of Microsoft Office Lens]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[UPS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Urban Air Adventure Park]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[USAGov]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[US Bureau of Consumer Protection]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[User testing for mandatory paid subscription into Tado Smart Thermostat app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[US Mobile]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[VPN Secure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Value based pricing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Valve removes arbitration requirement from Steam Subscriber Agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Varusteleka]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Venmo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Veo paywalls camera features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vercel's anti-consumer recharge]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Verisk Analytics, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Verizon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Verkada Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[VidIQ]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Video Games Europe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Video game preservation]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Videos to Convert to Articles]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Viessmann]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Virgin Media]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Virtual Racing School]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Visa]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Visual Studio Code]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[VitalSource "Lifetime" false advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vital Proteins sells products with terms and conditions inside the container]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vitalant]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vivint Smart Home, Inc.]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Vizio]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio fined by the FTC for collecting and selling user data without consumer consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio sued over unfairly appropriated software for their SmartCast system]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio Walmart account requirement for smart TV features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VMware]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VMware licensing change since acquisition by Broadcom]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vodafone disables IPv4 support on mobile broadband network]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Voice over LTE]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VOIPO overbills customers and denys refunds]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen AG - SFD(2) / UNCE - Protection of car diagnosis]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen car-location data-exposure incident]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Voluntary Recall of NVIDIA Shield K1 Tablets]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volvo VIDA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vont]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[VRChat]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VRS Sim Racing Wheel Base full torque locked behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vulcan Strength]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Vultr]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wacom]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Wacom legacy tablet driver abandonment]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Waffle House]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Wallbox Quasar]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Walmart]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Walmart's Onn devices bricked after update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Warcraft III legacy CD keys no longer redeemable on Battle.net]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Warp.dev]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Washington house bill 2321 regarding 3d printers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Waste ink counter]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Waymo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Web cookie]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wegmans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wendy's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WeTransfer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Wemo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wemo discontinuation of service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Western Digital]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[What3words]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WhatsApp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Whistle pet tracker shutdown IoT fail]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Whoop]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Windows installation USB drives]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Winston-Salem Journal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WKDA GmbH]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Wondershare]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Preservetube
|-
|[[World of Warcraft]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Wyze]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[XAI]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Xbox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Xbox Game Pass]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xbox Network]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xcode]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[X Corp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Xiaomi]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Xiaomi Phone unlock requirements and procedure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xiaomi Yi Home]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xlear]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yahoo!]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Yahoo! mandatory use of AI on all consumer services and content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yandex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[You Need A Budget]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[YouTube]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[YouTube age verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Yubo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yum! Brands]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Zoom (product)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Zoom changed Terms of Service for Data Collection and Force Arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Zoom Communications]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Zyxel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|}

[[Category:Projects]]

You Need A Budget

2026-05-06T03:30:07Z

Sojourna:

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2004
|Industry=Finance, Fintech, Financial Technology
|Logo=YNAB blurple logo.svg
|Type=LLC
|Website=https://www.ynab.com/
|Description=You Need A Budget (YNAB) is an online SaaS company that provides personal budgeting software that follows an envelope methodology.
|CompanyAlias=YNAB}}

Founded in 2004 by Jesse Mecham, '''You Need A Budget (YNAB)''' is a financial software company that provides cloud-based personal budgeting software following the envelope methodology.

YNAB built its namesake software from an Excel spreadsheet for sale in 2004 into licensed releases, the last of which was "YNAB 4," for which support was discontinued in 2019.<ref name="timeline-ynab">{{Cite web |author= |title=Timeline <nowiki>|</nowiki> YNAB |url=https://www.ynab.com/about-us/timeline |website=[[YNAB]] |date= |access-date=16 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260416033503/https://www.ynab.com/about-us/timeline |archive-date=16 Apr 2026}}</ref><ref name="ynab-4-support-ends">{{Cite web |author= |title=YNAB 4 Support Ends October 2019 |url=https://www.ynab.com/blog/ynab-4-support-will-end-october-2019 |website=[[YNAB]] |date=11 Sep 2019 |access-date=16 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260416034125/https://www.ynab.com/blog/ynab-4-support-will-end-october-2019 |archive-date=16 Apr 2026}}</ref> With the release of "nYNAB" in December 2015, the company pivoted to a [[Software as a service|SaaS]] business model.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=The New YNAB Business Model |url=https://www.ynab.com/blog/the-new-ynab-business-model |website=[[YNAB]] |date= |access-date=16 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260416034644/https://www.ynab.com/blog/the-new-ynab-business-model |archive-date=16 Apr 2026}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}
===User freedom===
In order to use YNAB's service, users must agree to the YNAB [[Terms of Service]]<ref name="terms-of-service">{{Cite web |date=2026-04-09 |title=YNAB Terms of Service |url=https://www.ynab.com/terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260415171655/https://www.ynab.com/terms |archive-date=2026-04-15 |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=You Need A Budget}}</ref>, which, as of April 9th, 2026, includes agreeing to a mandatory [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]] with {{Wplink|class action}} and jury trial waiver for any users not based in the UK, Switzerland or European Economic areas. The terms outline a 30-day period available to such users after agreement to opt out of losing this right by emailing the company at their legal support email address.

==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]].

===Forced arbitration clause update to ToS (''April 2026'')===
On April 9th, 2026, YNAB made updates to their [[Terms of Service]], which included a [[forced arbitration]] clause stipulating a 30-day window to opt out after accepting the terms by emailing YNAB's legal support email address.<ref name="terms-of-service"></ref> An email outlining the new changes was sent to existing users on the 13th, prompting some users to post and discuss the included arbitration notice on the "r/ynab" community forum on [[Reddit]]. The notice read:
[[File:YNAB Email Forced Arbitration Section.webp|alt=YNAB Email's ToS update notice|thumb|YNAB Email's notice of mandatory arbitration update to ToS]]
<blockquote>'''Dispute resolution:''' In our Terms of Service, we're moving to arbitration for dispute resolution. This means if we ever have a legal disagreement, it would be resolved by a neutral arbitrator instead of a court or jury, and we'd each bring claims individually rather than as part of a class action. If you prefer to keep your right to go to court, you can opt out by emailing legal@ynab.com within 30 days. Opting out won't affect your account or service in any way.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-13 |title=Gross, but typical changes to T's & C's |author=u/samebutanon |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/ynab/comments/1skkzeg/gross_but_typical_changes_to_ts_cs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260415213053/https://old.reddit.com/r/ynab/comments/1skkzeg/gross_but_typical_changes_to_ts_cs/ |archive-date=2026-04-15 |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-13 |title=Opt out of binding arbitration within next 30 days |author=u/discostu- |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/ynab/comments/1skm8yn/opt_out_of_binding_arbitration_within_next_30_days/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260415213135/https://old.reddit.com/r/ynab/comments/1skm8yn/opt_out_of_binding_arbitration_within_next_30_days/ |url-status=live |archive-date=2026-04-15 |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=Reddit}}</ref></blockquote>

A forced arbitration clause was not included in YNAB's Terms of Service exclusive to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and EEA territories, also updated on April 9th.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-09 |title=YNAB Terms of Service (UK, Switzerland, EEA) |url=https://www.ynab.com/terms/uk-switzerland-eea |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260415215442/https://www.ynab.com/terms/uk-switzerland-eea |url-status=live |archive-date=2026-04-15 |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=You Need A Budget}}</ref>

==Products==
;nYNAB App Lineup<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=The YNAB Lineup |url=https://www.ynab.com/our-app-lineup |website=[[YNAB]] |date= |access-date=16 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260416024921/https://www.ynab.com/our-app-lineup |archive-date=16 Apr 2026}}</ref>
*YNAB for Web
*YNAB for iPhone
*YNAB for Android
*YNAB for Apple Watch
*YNAB API
*YNAB Zapier integration
;Pre-nYNAB Apps<ref name="timeline-ynab"></ref>
*YNAB Excel spreadsheet (Sep 2004)
*YNAB Pro (Nov 2006)
*YNAB 3 (Dec 2009)
*YNAB 4 (Jun 2012 - Oct 2019)<ref name="ynab-4-support-ends"></ref>

==See also==
*[[Forced arbitration]]
*[[List of products and services with forced arbitration]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Companies using forced arbitration clauses]]

Corporate greed

2026-05-06T03:28:10Z

Sojourna: Added clean-up tag, with a few reasons.

{{StubNotice}}
{{Cleanup|Issue 1=Section headers must be in sentence case where applicable.|Issue 2=Section headers cannot contain links, whether internal or external.|Issue 3=Ampersand should only be used if it's included in the title/headline of a linked citation.|Issue 4=Random capitalization of Words is Sloppy.}}

'''Corporate greed''', or simply greed, is a modern phenomenon In which corporations pursue goals for profit and shareholder-value without valuing customer thoughts and consumer rights.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Corporate Greed |url=https://aflcio.org/issues/corporate-greed |access-date=15 Jan 2026 |website=aflcio.org |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251118224707/https://aflcio.org/issues/corporate-greed |archive-date=18 Nov 2025}}</ref>

==Why it is a problem==
When companies increase prices & cut corners with no regards to their customers, they'll be positively impacted short-term, but long term they'll be negatively impacted with decreased trust & sales.

Not just that, but there are people who depend on certain software, which may be too expensive for them to afford, and it may be difficult for them to make a switch, this is only something that harms both sides.

Consumer over-reliance on products and a corporation's domination over other businesses may create what's known as a [[Monopoly]], which is '''potentially''' illegal if the company also partakes in anti-competitive practices that harm consumers & restrict competition, as defined by antitrust laws.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Antitrust Laws |url=https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/antitrust-laws |access-date=5 Feb 2026 |website=Federal Trade Commission |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206055025/https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/antitrust-laws |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Consumer Related Issues:===

==Common Tactics Used to Increase Profits:==

#A company simply increasing the prices on products & [[Subscription service]]'s alike for no apparent reason. (Also known as "'''Price Gouging'''")<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calhoun |first=George |date=14 Nov 2024 |title=Is Price Gouging Real? Who’s Doing It? Is It Driving Inflation? |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgecalhoun/2024/11/14/is-price-gouging-real-whos-doing-it-is-it-driving-inflation/ |access-date= |website=Forbes |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725084135/https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgecalhoun/2024/11/14/is-price-gouging-real-whos-doing-it-is-it-driving-inflation/ |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref>
#Implementing a [[Subscription service]] into a product that has already been bought In order to revoke ownership from It's users.
#Using targeted/personalized ads in order to gain more data on someone, only to sell that data to more advertisers & third-party websites.
#Purposefully decreasing the quality of some products ([[Enshittification]]) to save money and/or to encourage consumers to buy newer & more powerful items to replace the older ones. (Also known as "[[Planned obsolescence]]")<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jalan |first=Ayush |date=7 Jun 2023 |title=What Is Planned Obsolescence? How Brands Keep You Buying |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-planned-obsolescence/ |website=makeuseof |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208181720/https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-planned-obsolescence/ |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref>
#Decreasing the average wages of some or all types of employees.
#Retroactively restricting access to features on items that you've already bought/paid for to push you into giving more money to use previously freely accessible features (more commonly known as a "'''[[Pay-walling|Paywall]]'''" or "'''[[Digital lock]]'''").<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hebert |first=Amy |date=17 Apr 2024 |title=Do you really own the digital items you paid for? |url=https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/do-you-really-own-digital-items-you-paid |access-date= |website=Federal Trade Commission |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260103231722/https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/do-you-really-own-digital-items-you-paid |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref>
#Decreasing the sizes of products while keeping the prices the same(Also known as "'''Shrinkflation'''", and It's more common in supermarkets & retail stores).<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 Jan 2025 |title=Spotting Predatory Business Tactics: A Consumer's Guide to Self-Defense |url=https://keepm.granitlabs.com/blog/predatory-tactics |access-date= |website=keepm |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804213020/https://keepm.granitlabs.com/blog/predatory-tactics |archive-date=4 Aug 2025}}</ref>
#Implementation of [[False advertising]] or [[Bait-and-switch]] tactics in a company's commercials to bring in more customers.

==Common Responses & Action Against Unfair/Greedy Corporations:==

===1. Boycotts & Seeking Alternatives:===
As a result of collective disapproval of a companies ethics, people search for alternatives and urge others to do so as well. If done so correctly & on a large scale, this can be one of the easiest ways to push companies back into the right direction, either by making them back off on their decision or forcing them to provide a new service to consumers in order to solve an apparent problem.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gassam |first=Janice |date=2023-12-22 |title=Do Boycotts Actually Work? |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2023/12/22/do-boycotts-actually-work-examining-the-use-of-boycotts-to-drive-social-change/ |website=Forbes |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004222207/https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2023/12/22/do-boycotts-actually-work-examining-the-use-of-boycotts-to-drive-social-change/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Boycott - Definition and Meaning |url=https://www.wordnik.com/words/boycott |access-date=10 Feb 2026 |website=Wordnik |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116110022/https://www.wordnik.com/words/boycott |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref>(Please direct yourself to [[wikipedia:List_of_boycotts|List of boycotts]] for further reading & examples)

===2. Piracy/Torrenting:===
Plenty of people have responded to mistreatment & company backlash by pirating software in order to have a better experience/to save money and avoid giving more to corporations that has wrecked their original sense of trust.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Francis |first=Paul |date=2025-10-23 |title=Online piracy is rising again: why it happened and what it means |url=https://www.itkmagazine.com/post/online-piracy-is-rising-again-why-it-happened-and-what-it-means |access-date= |website=In The Know |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216033312/https://www.itkmagazine.com/post/online-piracy-is-rising-again-why-it-happened-and-what-it-means |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> As more and more people pirate products, the more convenient It becomes due to seeding(short for allowing others to leach off you) or people providing said software to others themselves via "cracking" & creating their own torrents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Convery |first=Kevin |date=17 May 2023 |title=Seed, leech, peer, and other torrenting terms explained |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/what-are-torrent-seeders-3232600/ |website=Android Authority |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206154835/https://www.androidauthority.com/what-are-torrent-seeders-3232600/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref>

===3. Educating Others & Spreading Awareness:===
Victims & others that disapprove of excessive levels of greed committed by a certain corporation usually share information to others that are close to them(either by showing proof of it using sources or explaining something that happened to them & others).

By doing this, the news can spread even if it isn't mainstream yet or the information is extremely hard to access intentionally, thus potentially leading to boycotts or {{Wplink|class action}}s & '''Lawsuits''' If there is enough pressure/enough people that have the same thoughts & ideas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Came |first=Scott |title=The Importance of Information Sharing for Justice Reform |url=https://www.search.org/files/pdf/TheImportanceofInformationSharingforJusticeReform.pdf |access-date=12 Feb 2026 |website=search.org |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230930115645/https://www.search.org/files/pdf/TheImportanceofInformationSharingforJusticeReform.pdf |archive-date=30 Sep 2023}}</ref>

===4. Lawsuits & {{Wplink|Class action}}s:===
Lawsuits, more specifically consumer protection lawsuits directed by a "Class" can allow consumers & others who choose to participate to have a say In an important matter and create a civil case & affect the outcome of case themselves, essentially forcing any organization/company that's targeted by the Lawsuit to either:

#Defend themselves & win the case
#Settle for a financial compromise
#Do what the opposing party requests them to do<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Adam |title=Class Action: Definition, Lawsuits, Types, Benefits, Example |url=https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/classaction.asp |access-date=12 Feb 2026 |website=Investopedia |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206042820/https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/classaction.asp |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref>

While {{Wplink|class action}}s & lawsuits may be an effective way to push back against something, some corporations hide & use [[forced arbitration]] clauses to protect themselves in the event of said class actions & lawsuits. If this were the case, it becomes much more difficult or maybe impossible to appose them due to the participants allegedly having consented to their '''Terms of Service''' In the first place.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Aug 2025 |title=What Is Forced Arbitration and How Does It Work? |url=https://legalclarity.org/what-is-forced-arbitration-and-how-does-it-work/ |website=LegalClarity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216033358/https://legalclarity.org/what-is-forced-arbitration-and-how-does-it-work/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Buy now, pay later]]
*[[Financial censorship]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]

Canadian bread price fixing

2026-05-06T03:18:41Z

Sojourna: Added stub and clean-up tags.

{{Incomplete}}
{{Stub}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Canada Bread, Weston Foods, Walmart Canada, Giant Tiger, Sobeys, Metro
|StartDate=2001
|EndDate=2015
|Status=Resolved
|ProductLine=Bread
|Product=Bread, Bagels, Naan
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Price Fixing
|Description=From 2001 to 2015, many companies colluded in what can be described as a cartel, fixing bread prices in Canada.
}}

From 2001 to 2015<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=The Canadian Press |date=2024-07-25 |title=Loblaw, George Weston to pay $500M for bread price-fixing scheme in record antitrust settlement |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/loblaw-bread-price-settlement-1.7274820 |website=CBC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208135642/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/loblaw-bread-price-settlement-1.7274820 |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref> or 2017<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Sagan |first=Aleksandra |date=2018-01-31 |title=Bakers, grocers involved in 16-year price-fixing conspiracy: Competition Bureau |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/bakers-grocers-involved-in-16-year-price-fixing-conspiracy-competition-bureau/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250522214903/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/bakers-grocers-involved-in-16-year-price-fixing-conspiracy-competition-bureau/ |archive-date=22 May 2025}}</ref>, Canadian retailers, including Walmart Canada, Metro, Giant Tiger and Sobeys, colluded to fix prices of bread<ref name=":0" />. In a class action lawsuit that followed, the collusion was described as a cartel<ref>{{Cite web |last=Govan |first=James |date=2020-03-25 |title=Originating Application – Bread Cartel – March 25, 2020 |url=https://lpclex.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Originating-Application-BREAD-Notified-25MAR2020.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250315064240/https://lpclex.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Originating-Application-BREAD-Notified-25MAR2020.pdf |archive-date=15 Mar 2025}}</ref>

==Price fixing==
For 14 or 16 years, the price of bread and other products such as bagels and naan was artificially inflated in a collusion of the biggest retailers in Canada.<ref name=":1" />

==Investigation==
An investigation by the Competition Bureau was launched after an informant from Loblaw Ltd tipped them off<ref name=":1" />

==Lawsuit==
{{Ph-I-L}}

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

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Canadian incidents]]

List of products and services with forced arbitration

2026-05-06T03:16:27Z

Sojourna:

'''[[Forced arbitration]]''' is the practice in which businesses require their customers to resolve disputes through third-party arbitration instead of a traditional court system, often while revoking the consumer's right to partake in a class action lawsuit. Businesses will typically add an arbitration clause to their [[Terms of Service]] which outlines how disputes should be handled between them and the consumer. The business decides who the arbiter is, irrespective of biases and conflicts of interest, and when combined with the revocation of the customer's rights to a traditional court system, forced arbitration is exploitative in benefiting the business at the customer's expense.

Adding arbitration clauses in take-it-or-leave-it contracts (e.g. consumer products and services) is a widespread practice across all industries and relations (including employment). Nonetheless, this article attempts to cover as many consumer products and services containing an arbitration clause as possible.

==Products and services==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Product/service
!Company
!Clause
!Source
!Opt-out method(s)
!Note
|-
|
|[[Acer]]
|"To the fullest extent provided by law, and except as otherwise provided below, You and Acer agree that any Dispute (as further defined below in this Section 16) between You and Acer will be resolved exclusively and finally by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and conducted in accordance with the AAA’s Supplementary Procedures for Consumer-Related Disputes of the Commercial Arbitration Rules and the Consumer Due Process Protocol.
YOUR RIGHTS WILL THEREFORE BE DETERMINED BY A NEUTRAL ARBITRATOR AND NOT A JUDGE OR JURY."
|Standard Terms of Sale, Section 16<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-25 |title=Standard Terms of Sale |url=https://store.acer.com/en-us/media/Acer_America_Corporation_Terms_of_Sale_US.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260105230826/https://store.acer.com/en-us/media/Acer_America_Corporation_Terms_of_Sale_US.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-05 |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=Acer Store}}</ref>
|None
|"Under the AAA Supplementary Procedures for Consumer-Related Dispute and Consumer Due Process Protocol, You retain the right to seek relief in a small claims court for Disputes within the scope of the small claims court’s jurisdiction. The small claims action, or any portion of it, will not be consolidated with any other action and will not be conducted on a class-wide or class-action basis."
"YOU UNDERSTAND THAT, IN THE ABSENCE OF THIS PROVISION, YOU WOULD HAVE HAD A RIGHT TO LITIGATE DISPUTES THROUGH A COURT, INCLUDING THE RIGHT, IF ANY, AND SUBJECT TO THE RULES OF YOUR JURISDICTION, TO LITIGATE CLAIMS ON A CLASS-WIDE OR CLASS-ACTION BASIS, AND THAT YOU HAVE EXPRESSLY AND KNOWINGLY WAIVED THOSE RIGHTS AND AGREED TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION. If this specific provision is found to be unenforceable, then the entirety of this arbitration provision shall be null and void."
|-
|AKG, Harmon Kardon, JBL
|Harman International Industries
|"You and Harman agree that, except as set forth below, we will resolve any controversies, claims, counterclaims, or other disputes between you and Harman or you and a third-party agent of Harman (a “Claim”) through final and binding arbitration instead of through court proceedings in accordance with the Consumer Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA Rules”)"
|JBL Terms of Use<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms of Use |url=https://www.jbl.com/terms/terms-of-use.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129085833/https://www.jbl.com/terms/terms-of-use.html |archive-date=2026-01-29 |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=JBL}}</ref>
|None
|"This arbitration agreement does not preclude you or Harman from seeking action by federal, state, or local government agencies. You and Harman also have the right to bring qualifying claims in small claims court or transfer qualifying claims to small claims court. "
|-
|[[Bandcamp]]
|Bandcamp Ventures LLC
|"Any dispute arising from or relating to the subject matter of this Agreement shall be finally settled by arbitration in Los Angeles County, California, using the English language in accordance with the Arbitration Rules and Procedures of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”) then in effect, by one commercial arbitrator with substantial experience in resolving intellectual property and commercial contract disputes, who shall be selected from the appropriate list of JAMS arbitrators in accordance with the Arbitration Rules and Procedures of JAMS."
|"Dispute Resolution" section of Terms of Use<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bandcamp Terms of Use |url=https://bandcamp.com/terms_of_use |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251013161152/https://bandcamp.com/terms_of_use |archive-date=2025-10-13 |access-date=2025-10-20 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>
|
|Service cannot be used in places where these terms are not allowed or unenforcable: "Use of the Service is not authorized in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of these Terms of Use, including without limitation, this section."
|-
|BofA Online Services
|Bank of America
|"By means of this arbitration agreement, each party waives the right to have any dispute heard in court whenever either party chooses to submit or refer such dispute to arbitration, subject to the limitations set forth further below in the Scope of Arbitration section."
|Section 12 of Banking Service Agreement<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 May 2026 |title=Online Banking Service Agreement |url=https://www.bankofamerica.com/content/documents/agreement/OnlineBankingServiceAgreementUpdateEN.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260402032932/www.bankofamerica.com/content/documents/agreement/OnlineBankingServiceAgreementUpdateEN.pdf |archive-date=2 Apr 2026 |access-date=9 Apr 2026 |website=Bank of America}}</ref>
|By [https://www.bankofamerica.com/arbitration-optout link] or [tel:+18002838875 phone] within 60 days of first delivery; consumers only
|
|-
|Dell Consumer Products
|[[Dell]]
|"YOU AND DELL AGREE TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTES BETWEEN US EXCLUSIVELY AND FINALLY BY BINDING ARBITRATION ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS, WHICH MEANS YOU AND DELL WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO LITIGATE DISPUTES IN A COURT OR BEFORE A JURY, OR AS PART OF A CLASS ACTION, A REPRESENTATIVE ACTION, A CONSOLIDATED ACTION OR IN A PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL CAPACITY, EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED IN ANY APPLICABLE MASS ARBITRATION RULES, PROCEDURES, OR GUIDELINES.
a. This arbitration requirement applies to any claim or dispute of any kind (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, whether pre-existing, present, or future, and including statutory, common law, or equitable) between you and Dell, its agents, employees, successors, assigns, direct and indirect subsidiaries, and any third party providing any products or services to you in connection with your purchase ("Dell") that relates in any way to your purchase or Product, these Terms, or Dell's marketing or advertising (“Claims”)."

"You and Dell agree to arbitration only on an individual basis, except as specified in any applicable mass arbitration rules, procedures, or guidelines. Neither you nor Dell may join or consolidate claims of others or participate in any claim as a class representative or a class member"
|
|None
|"You still have the right to bring individual Claims in small claims court, to the extent that you qualify."
"If any portion of this arbitration agreement is found unenforceable, the unenforceable portion shall be severed and the remaining arbitration terms shall be enforced (but in no event will there be a class arbitration)."
|-
|[[Discord]]
|Discord Inc.
|"You agree that any Dispute between you and Discord that for any reason is not subject to the “Agreement to Arbitrate” section below may only be pursued by you on an individual basis, and you may not bring a claim as a plaintiff or a class member in a class, collective, or representative action."
|Section 16 of Terms of Service<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discord Terms of Service |url=https://discord.com/terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120051841/https://discord.com/terms |archive-date=2026-01-20 |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=Discord}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|[[eBay]]
|eBay Inc.
|'''"'''You and eBay each agree that any and all disputes or claims between you and eBay (or any related third parties) that arise out of or relate in any way to this or previous versions of the User Agreement, your use of or access to our Services, the actions of eBay or its agents, or any products or services sold, offered, or purchased through our Services, including the scope or applicability of this Agreement to Arbitrate (each, a "Dispute") shall be resolved exclusively through final and binding arbitration, rather than in court.'''"'''
|Section 19 B of the User Agreement<ref>{{Cite web |title=User Agreement |url=https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/member-behaviour-policies/user-agreement?id=4259#section19 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=eBay |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128012537/https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/member-behaviour-policies/user-agreement?id=4259 |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|Electronic Gaming Monthly Compendium
|EGM Media, LLC
|"Any dispute which arises in the course of or following the performance of the present contract will be definitively settled by means of arbitration and to the exclusion of courts of law, in accordance with arbitration rules in force at the time this contract is entered into and to which the parties declare they have adhered. Any such controversy or claim will be arbitrated on an individual basis, and will not be consolidated in any arbitration with any claim or controversy of any other party. The arbitration will be conducted in Las Vegas, Nevada, and judgment on the arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction of it."
|Section 19 of the Website Terms of Use and Subscription Agreement<ref>{{Cite web |title=EGM Compendium - EULA |url=https://egmcompendium.com/info/terms-of-use.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=EGM Compendium}}</ref>
|None
|
|-
|Epson
|Epson America Inc.
|"Both you and Epson agree that any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to Epson products or services or this agreement, shall be resolved by arbitration on individual, non-class, non-representative basis, rather than in court. The arbitration shall be governed by the rules of JAMS that are in effect when the arbitration is filed, excluding any rules that permit arbitration on a class or representative basis and under the rules set forth in this agreement. The arbitrator, and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have the exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation, including but not limited to, any claim that all or any part is void or voidable. JAMS rules are available at <nowiki>http://www.jamsadr.com</nowiki> or by calling 1-800-352-5267. Disputes shall be resolved by a single neutral arbitrator, and both parties shall have a reasonable opportunity to participate in the selection of the arbitrator. If you wish, you may appear at the arbitration by phone. The arbitrator is bound by the terms of this agreement.
2. Pre-Arbitration Steps and Notice. Before submitting a claim for arbitration, you agree to try, for sixty (60) days, to resolve any dispute informally by contacting us at customer.inquires@ea.epson.com. Please include your name, address and contact information, the facts giving rise to the dispute, and the relief requested. You agree to act in good faith to resolve the dispute, but if you and Epson do not reach a resolution within the sixty (60) days, you may commence an arbitration."
|Epson Estore Terms and Conditions, Section E<ref>{{Cite web |title=Estore Terms and Conditions |url=https://epson.com/estore-terms-and-conditions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251220014456/https://epson.com/estore-terms-and-conditions |archive-date=2025-12-20 |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=Epson US}}</ref>
|"You may elect to opt-out (exclude yourself) from the final, binding, individual arbitration procedure and waiver of class and representative proceedings specified in this agreement by sending a written letter to Epson America, Inc., ATTN: Legal Department, 3131 Katella Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA 90720, within thirty (30) days of your purchase of the Epson products and/or services that specifies (i) your name, (ii) your mailing address, and (iii) your request to be excluded from the final, binding individual arbitration procedure and waiver of class and representative proceedings specified in this Section E. In the event that you opt-out consistent with the procedure set forth above, all other terms shall continue to apply, including the requirement to provide notice prior to litigation."
|"Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may bring an individual action in a small claims court of your state or municipality if the action is within that court’s jurisdiction and is pending only in that court.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we also both agree that you or we may bring suit in court to enjoin infringement or other misuse of trademark, patent infringement, copyright, or trade secret."

If any provision in this Section E is found to be unenforceable, that provision shall be severed with the remainder of this agreement remaining in full force and effect. The foregoing shall not apply to the prohibition against class or representative actions. This means that if Section 9 (below) is found to be unenforceable, the entire Section E (but only Section E) shall be null and void."
|-
|[[GE Appliances]]
|GE Appliances, a Haier Company
|"Any disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or your use of the GE Appliances Store or purchase of GE Appliances products or services shall be governed by Delaware law. All disputes arising hereunder, including any disputes involving third parties, shall be arbitrated, except for claims by GE Appliances for breach of confidentiality."
|GE Appliances Terms of Use, Chapter 16<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms of Use |url=https://www.geappliances.com/privacy/terms.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260105121431/https://www.geappliances.com/privacy/terms.htm |archive-date=2026-01-05 |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=GE Appliances}}</ref>
|None
|
|-
|Google Devices
|[[Google|Google LLC]]
|"If any dispute arises that relates to these Arbitration Terms or your device(s), related accessories or related subscription services for your Google device (if applicable) (“Google Device”) (regardless of the type of dispute, but subject to a few exceptions below), you and Google LLC (“Google”) agree to resolve it through binding arbitration. Arbitration is less formal than a lawsuit in court and uses a neutral arbitrator instead of a judge or jury, but arbitrators can award the same damages and remedies that a court can award. These Arbitration Terms are subject to and governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”) and are intended to be broadly interpreted. They include, for example:
any disputes regarding the design, performance, features, or functionality of your Google Device;

any disputes regarding your use of your Google Device;

any disputes regarding updates, modifications, or upgrades to your Google Device;

any disputes based on the Google Device warranty or based on device defects whether or not the Google Device is under warranty;

and these Arbitration Terms apply:

whether your dispute is with Google, its subsidiaries, affiliates or parent company, or any suppliers or service providers involved with the Google Device, and their officers, directors, employees, agents and successors; and

regardless of the legal theory on which you base your claim (such as breach of warranty, breach of contract, negligence, etc.).

For disputes or claims relating to your Google Device, these Arbitration Terms supersede any terms regarding dispute resolution in any other agreement between you and Google and contain the whole agreement between us with respect to disputes or claims relating to your Google Device."
|Google Arbitration Agreement Support Page<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-12 |title=Google Arbitration Agreement — Devices, Related Accessories, and Related Subscription Services - Google Store Help |url=https://support.google.com/store/answer/9427031?hl=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251003232746/https://support.google.com/store/answer/9427031 |archive-date=2025-10-03 |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=Google Store Support}}</ref>
|"You have the right to return your Google Device or opt out of these Arbitration Terms if you don’t agree with these Arbitration Terms, unless you previously agreed to an arbitration provision in connection with your purchase. If you decide to return your Google Device, you must return it within 30 days of activating your Google Device for the first time (unless a longer period is required by applicable law), unused, with the original packaging, to the seller from whom you purchased it, and you will receive a full refund. If you decide to keep your Google Device but opt out of these Arbitration Terms, you must do so by notifying Google within 30 days of activating your Google Device for the first time (unless a longer period is required by applicable law) by following the instructions at g.co/devicearbitration/optout"
|"These terms (“Arbitration Terms”) apply only if you are a user located in the United States. "
"2. Exceptions. However, you and Google: (a) may still bring an individual action in small claims court; (b) may still pursue an enforcement action through a federal, state, or local agency if that action is available; and (c) must file suit in court to address an intellectual property rights infringement claim (as set forth in Section 12 below). Also, nothing in these Arbitration Terms bars either of us from bringing issues to the attention of federal, state, or local agencies."
|-
|Grainger
|[https://www.grainger.com/ W.W. Grainger, Inc.]
|"Any dispute of any sort that might arise between Grainger and Customer, including any matters or disputes relating to or arising from the purchase or use of any product, service, or information offered or made available through Grainger, or arising from or relating to any communication between Customer and Grainger or its agents, '''will be resolved by binding arbitration, rather than in court, and solely on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated or representative action,''' except that Customer may assert claims in small claims court if Customer’s claims qualify."
|Section I.B of the Terms of Sale<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-03 |title=Terms of Sale - Grainger Industrial Supply |url=https://www.grainger.com/content/mc/policies/terms-of-sale |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Grainger}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|Hytale
|Hypixel Studios Canada
|"To the extent permitted by applicable laws of the jurisdiction where you are habitually resident, all Disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Service, or the Game shall be determined exclusively by binding arbitration. The terms of this Section will also apply to any claims asserted by you against any present or future parent or affiliated entity of Hypixel Studios Canada to the extent that any such claims fall within the definition of Dispute. The only Disputes not covered by this Section 15 are: (a) claims regarding the infringement, protection or validity of your, Hypixel Studios Canada's or Hypixel Studios Canada's licensors' trade secrets, copyright, trademark or patent rights; (b) individual claims filed in small claims court within its jurisdictional limits; (c) claims for public injunctive relief where applicable law requires court adjudication; and (d) any and all Disputes arising out of or relating to the class action waiver, including, but not limited to, any claim that all or part of the class action waiver is unenforceable, unconscionable, illegal, void, or voidable. To the extent the parties have related arbitrable and non-arbitrable disputes, the arbitrable disputes shall proceed first in arbitration and the non-arbitrable disputes shall be stayed, and any applicable statutes of limitations tolled, pending completion of the arbitration."
|Section 15 of Terms of Service<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms of Service - Hytale |url=https://hytale.com/terms-of-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260119193922/https://hytale.com/terms-of-service |archive-date=2026-01-19 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Hytale}}</ref>
|"You may opt out of arbitration by sending written notice to arbitration-optout@hytale.com within thirty (30) days of first accepting these Terms. Your written notification must include your (a) full legal name, mailing address, and phone number; (b) Account username and the e-mail address associated with your Account; and (c) a clear statement that you do not wish to resolve disputes through arbitration. Any opt-out notification received after the deadline described in this Section 15.13 will be invalid. If you opt out, Disputes will be resolved in the courts specified in Section 16."
|
|-
|[[Instagram]]
|[[Meta|Meta Platforms Inc.]]
|"Except as provided below, you and we agree that any cause of action, legal claim, or dispute between you and us arising out of or related to these Terms or Instagram ("claim(s)") must be resolved by arbitration on an individual basis. {{Wplink|Class action}}s and class arbitrations are not permitted; you and we may bring a claim only on your own behalf and cannot seek relief that would affect other Instagram users."
|Section 7.4 of the Terms of Use<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms of Use |url=https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=Instagram Help Center |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128081034/https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|[[Itch.io]]
|Itch.io
|"You and company agree not to bring or participate in a class, collective, or representative action, private attorney general action or collective arbitration, even if arbitration procedures or rules would otherwise allow one."
|Section 15 of Terms of Service<ref>{{Cite web |title=itch.io Terms of Service |url=https://itch.io/docs/legal/terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120012047/https://itch.io/docs/legal/terms |archive-date=2026-01-20 |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=itch.io}}</ref>
|
|No forced arbitration; revokes right to class action lawsuit.
|-
|Kobo
|Rakuten Kobo Inc.
|" If a Dispute cannot be resolved through negotiations during the Initial Dispute Resolution Period, then either you or Kobo may elect to have the Dispute finally and exclusively resolved by binding arbitration, unless an exception applies as stated below."
|Section 13 of [https://authorize.kobo.com/us/en/terms/termsofuse Terms of Service]
|"You have the right to opt out and not be bound by the Dispute Resolution and Individual Arbitration Agreement in this Section 13 by sending written notice of your decision to opt out to the following email address: kobo-legal-dept@mail.rakuten.com, using the subject line “Arbitration Opt-Out.” The notice must be sent within 30 days of the date on which you agree to these Terms of Use; otherwise, you shall be bound to arbitrate disputes in accordance with the terms of this Section 13. If you opt out of these arbitration provisions, Kobo will also not be bound by them."
|Added November 2025
|-
|[[LG|LG Electronics]]
|LG Electronics USA Inc.
|"Upon failure to resolve the dispute during the 30 day period after sending written notice to LG, you and LG agree to resolve any claims between us only by binding arbitration on an individual basis, unless you opt out as provided below. Any dispute between you and LG shall not be combined or consolidated with a dispute involving any other person's or entity's product or claim. More specifically, without limitation of the foregoing, any dispute between you and LG shall not under any circumstances proceed as part of a class or representative action. Instead of arbitration, either party may bring an individual action in small claims court, but that small claims court action may not be brought on a class or representative basis."
|LG USA Arbitration Agreement<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-12 |title=Arbitration |url=https://www.lg.com/us/arbitration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708172359/https://www.lg.com/us/arbitration |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=LG USA}}</ref>
|"You may opt out of this dispute resolution procedure. If you opt out, neither you nor LG can require the other to participate in an arbitration proceeding. To opt out, you must send notice to LG no later than 30 calendar days from the date of the first consumer purchaser's purchase of the product by either: (i) sending an e-mail to optout@lge.com, with the subject line: "Arbitration Opt Out" or (ii) calling 1-800-980-2973. You must include in the opt out e-mail or provide by telephone: (a) your name and address; (b) the date on which the product was purchased; (c) the product model name or model number; and (d) the serial number (the serial number can be found (i) on the product; or (ii) online by accessing <nowiki>https://www.lg.com/us/support</nowiki> and clicking on “How do I find my model number?”
You may only opt out of the dispute resolution procedure in the manner described above (that is, by e-mail or telephone); no other form of notice will be effective to opt out of this dispute resolution procedure. Opting out of this dispute resolution procedure will not affect the coverage of the Limited Warranty in any way, and you will continue to enjoy the full benefits of the Limited Warranty. If you keep this product and do not opt out, then you accept all terms and conditions of the arbitration provision described above."
|Information provided is for US customers. For Canada consumers, detailed information on arbitration is available at [http://www.lg.com/ca_en/arbitration www.lg.com/ca_en/arbitration]
|-
|Lyft
|Lyft
|"YOU AND LYFT MUTUALLY AGREE TO WAIVE OUR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES IN A COURT OF LAW BY A JUDGE OR JURY AND AGREE TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTE BY ARBITRATION, as set forth below. This agreement to arbitrate ("Arbitration Agreement") is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act ("FAA"), 9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16, including both the FAA's procedural and substantive provisions. If the FAA is inapplicable for any reason, then this Arbitration Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, including the procedural and substantive provisions of Del. Code tit. 10, § 5701 et seq., without regard to choice of law principles. For the avoidance of doubt, a court may neither refuse to enforce this Arbitration Agreement, nor refuse to stay arbitration proceedings, pursuant to state law that is inconsistent with the FAA or Delaware law (including, for example, pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 1281.2(c)). This Arbitration Agreement survives after the Agreement terminates or your relationship with Lyft ends. ANY ARBITRATION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS; CLASS ARBITRATIONS AND CLASS ACTIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED. Except as expressly provided below, this Arbitration Agreement applies to all Claims (defined below) between you and Lyft (as defined above) as well as between you and our successors and assigns, employees, agents or shareholders. This Arbitration Agreement also applies to claims between you and Lyft's service providers, including but not limited to background check providers and payment processors; and such service providers shall be considered intended third-party beneficiaries of this Arbitration Agreement."
|Section 18 of [https://www.lyft.com/terms#tos-dispute-resolution-and-arbitration-agreement Terms of Service]
|"In order to be effective, (A) the writing must clearly indicate your intent to opt out of this Arbitration Agreement with respect to Driver Claims that are not part of a Pending Settlement Action, (B) the writing must include the name, phone number, and email address associated with your User Account, and (C) the email containing the signed writing must be sent within 30 days after the date this Agreement is executed by you. Should you not opt out within the 30-day period, you and Lyft shall be bound by the terms of this Arbitration Agreement in full (including with respect to Driver Claims that are not part of a Pending Settlement Action). As provided in Section 17(k) above, any opt out that you submit shall not apply to any Driver Claims that are part of a Pending Settlement Action and your Driver Claims in any such Pending Settlement Action shall continue to be governed by the arbitration provisions that are contained in the applicable Lyft Terms of Use that you agreed to prior to the effective date of this Agreement."
|
|-
|Meetup.com
|Bending Spoons US Inc.
|"If you have a dispute with Meetup, you agree to try to work it out directly with us first. If we can’t work it out, with limited exceptions, you must submit any dispute with us to a neutral arbitrator instead of taking the claim to a court of law. Claims can only be brought individually, and not as part of a class action. Members based in the European Union may have additional or different rights, as provided by applicable law."
|Section 9 of Terms of Service<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms of Service - Meetup |url=https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260118004252/https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service |archive-date=2026-01-18 |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=Meetup}}</ref>
|"'''You may decline to resolve disputes through arbitration by emailing us at arbitration-opt-out@meetup.com within 30 days of the date you first agree to this Agreement.''' Your email must include your full name, residential address, the email address registered to your Meetup account, and a clear statement that you want to opt out of arbitration. If you opt out according to this process, then Section 9.2 of this Agreement does not apply to you. This opt-out does not affect any other sections of this Agreement, such as Sections 9.3 (Exceptions), 9.5 (Class Action Waiver), 11.5 (Governing Law), 11.6 (Judicial Forum), and 11.7 (Time for Filing)."
|
|-
|Mint Mobile
|[[T-Mobile US|T-Mobile US, Inc.]]
|Dispute Resolution. BY ACCEPTING THESE T&CS, YOU ARE AGREEING TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTE WITH US THROUGH INDIVIDUAL BINDING ARBITRATION OR SMALL CLAIMS DISPUTE PROCEDURES, AND YOU ARE WAIVING YOUR RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL AND TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. MINT MOBILE AND YOU EACH AGREE THAT, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BELOW, ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OR DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED BY INDIVIDUAL BINDING ARBITRATION OR IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT.
|Section 2 of the Plan Terms & Conditions<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms & Conditions |url=https://www.mintmobile.com/plan-terms-and-conditions/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=Mint Mobile |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251216221012/https://www.mintmobile.com/plan-terms-and-conditions/ |archive-date=16 Dec 2025}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|[[Miku]]
|Miku
|You and we agree that any dispute, claim or controversy, including those known or unknown that may be later discovered, arising out of or relating to these Terms, other agreements on the Services, or the Privacy Policy, or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity thereof, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate, shall be either determined by binding arbitration in New Jersey before one arbitrator or submitted to small claims court in New Jersey. If the arbitrator finds this location to be unreasonably burdensome to you, a new location may be selected or arbitration may be conducted over the phone, using video conferencing, or similar. You may be entitled to an in-person hearing near your place of residence. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. This clause shall not preclude parties from seeking provisional remedies in aid of arbitration from a court of appropriate jurisdiction. Any arbitration arising out of or related to these Terms shall be conducted in accordance with the expedited procedures set forth in the JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures as those Rules exist on the effective date of these Terms, including Rules 16.1 and 16.2 of those Rules.
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20250713172646/https://mikucare.com/pages/terms-of-service#toc28 Miku Terms of Service]
|
|
|-
|Motorola
|[[Motorola]]
|"Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these terms or any products or services sold or distributed through this site will be resolved by binding arbitration, instead of in court. "
|Motorola Terms of Sale<ref>{{Cite web |title=Motorola Terms of Sale |url=https://www.motorola.com/us/en/legal/terms-of-sale |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251217034131/https://www.motorola.com/us/en/legal/terms-of-sale |archive-date=2025-12-17 |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=Motorola}}</ref>
|"If you do not want this Arbitration provision to apply, you may reject it by mailing or emailing a written rejection notice which describes this Arbitration provision, includes your name, address, phone number, device, and device serial number, date of purchase, and tells Motorola that you are rejecting this Arbitration provision to: arbitration@motorola.com. A rejection notice is only effective if it is signed by you and Motorola receives the notice within 30 days of purchase. If you do not reject this Arbitration provision within this 30 day time period, you will not be able to reject it at a later date. If you reject this provision, that does not affect any other provision of these terms or your ability to use the device. If you do not reject this Arbitration provision, it will be effective as of the date of purchase."
|"If any part of this arbitration provision is deemed to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal (other than that claims will not be arbitrated on a class or representative basis), or otherwise conflicts with the rules and procedures established by JAMS, then the balance of this arbitration provision shall remain in effect and shall be construed in accordance with its terms as if the invalid, unenforceable, illegal or conflicting provision were not contained herein. If, however, the portion that is deemed invalid, unenforceable or illegal is that claims will not be arbitrated on a class or representative basis, then the entirety of this arbitration provision shall be null and void, and neither claimant nor Motorola shall be entitled to arbitrate their dispute"
|-
|[[PayPal]]
|PayPal Holdings, Inc.
|You and PayPal agree that any claim or dispute at law or equity that has arisen or may arise between you and us will be resolved in accordance with the Agreement to Arbitrate provisions set forth below. Please read this information carefully. Among other things it:

*Affects your and our rights and will impact how claims between you and us are resolved, including your and our agreement to waive the right to trial by jury.

*Includes a Prohibition of Class and Representative Actions and Non-Individualized Relief pursuant to which you agree to waive your right to participate in a class action lawsuit against us.
*Requires you to follow the Opt-Out Procedure to opt-out of the Agreement to Arbitrate by mailing us a written notice that must be postmarked no later than 30 days after the date you accept this user agreement for the first time.
|"Agreement to Arbitrate" section of the PAYPAL USER AGREEMENT (US version)<ref>{{Cite web |title=PAYPAL USER AGREEMENT |url=https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=PayPal US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128144437/https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>
|Mail within 30 days
|
|-
|[[Persona]]
|Persona Identities, Inc
|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.
|"Class Action Waiver - US Residents Only"<ref>{{Cite web |author=Persona |date=18 Nov 2025 |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://withpersona.com/legal/privacy-policy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/IOE0U |archive-date=2026-02-24 |access-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=Persona}}</ref>
|None
|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”).
|-
|Phreeli
|Phreeli Company
|You understand and agree that, by accepting this Agreement and using the Services, you waive the right to bring a claim against Phreeli in court or in front of a jury. You also waive the right to participate as a class representative or class member on any class claim that either side may have against the other, including class arbitrations or any consolidation of individual arbitrations.

To the maximum extent permitted under law, any claim, dispute, or controversy of whatever nature arising out of or relating to this Agreement and/or the Services must be resolved by final and binding arbitration under the American Arbitration Association’s (“AAA”) Rules for Arbitration of Consumer-Related Disputes. [...]

Despite any provision of applicable law, the arbitrator will not have power to award damages, remedies, or awards that conflict with this Agreement. The Subscriber agrees that regardless of any statute or law to the contrary, any claim or cause of action arising out of, related to, or connected with the use of Phreeli’s Services or this Agreement must be filed within one (1) year after that claim of action came to be or it will be forever banned. Unless the Subscriber and Phreeli agree otherwise, any arbitration hearings between Subscriber and Phreeli will take place in Sussex County, Delaware.

If any part of this arbitration clause is found to be unenforceable or unlawful for any reason, the unenforceable or unlawful parts should be removed from this Agreement. The removal of the unenforceable or unlawful provision should have no impact whatsoever on the rest of this arbitration clause or the parties’ ability to seek arbitration of any remaining claims on an individual basis under the arbitration clause. To the extent that any claims move forward on a class, collective, consolidated, or representative basis, those claims must be litigated in a civil court of competent jurisdiction and not in arbitration, and the parties agree that litigation of those claims shall be stayed pending the outcome of any individual claims in arbitration. These arbitration provisions will survive the termination of the Subscriber’s relationship with Phreeli.
|"DISPUTES" section of the Terms of Service<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms of Service |url=https://www.phreeli.com/terms-of-service |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=Phreeli |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260113030937/https://www.phreeli.com/terms-of-service |archive-date=13 Jan 2026}}</ref>
|None within the Terms of Service
|
|-

|Powell's Books
|Powell's Books, Inc.
|"Any dispute arising out of or relating in any way to your use of this website or the purchase of merchandise from Powell's will be resolved by binding arbitration. The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator in the city of Portland, Oregon, USA, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"). No claims of any other parties may be joined or otherwise combined in the arbitration proceeding."
|"Arbitration of Disputes" section of the Powell's Books, Inc. Website Terms and Conditions of Use<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms of Use |url=https://www.powells.com/info/terms-of-use |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=Powell's Books |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260103191238/https://www.powells.com/info/terms-of-use |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|[[Proton]] Account, protonvpn.com, proton.me
|Proton
|"These Terms of Service contain a class action waiver as well as an arbitration provision, which requires you to arbitrate any claims (with certain exceptions) you may have on an individual basis. Arbitration on an individual basis means that you will not have, and that you waive, the right for a judge or jury to decide your claims, and that you may not proceed in a class, consolidated, or representative capacity in any forum, as described in more detail below."
|Section 13.1 of [https://proton.me/legal/terms Terms of Service]
|
|
|-
|Redbubble
|Articore Group Limited
|"You agree that all Disputes, except those mentioned in the very next sentence, shall be resolved through binding arbitration, subject to the limitations described in Sections C and D, below. Disputes that may be brought in small claims court are not subject to arbitration."
|Section IV of [https://www.redbubble.com/agreement User Agreement]
|
|
|-
|Redfin
|Redfin Corporation
|"2.13.9.2. ''Binding Arbitration and Class Action Waiver'''''.''' Subject to Section 2.13.9.3, you and the Redfin Companies agree that any Claim between you and any Redfin Company or Redfin Companies will be resolved '''solely by binding, individual arbitration and not in a class, representative or consolidated action or proceeding.''' This Section 2.13.9 is governed, in all respects, both procedurally and substantively, by the United States Federal Arbitration Act. You and the applicable Redfin Companies agree that you are each waiving the right to a trial by jury or to participate in a class action."
|Section 2.13.9 of the Terms of Use.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-29 |title=Terms of Use |url=https://www.redfin.com/about/terms-of-use |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260217072824/https://www.redfin.com/about/terms-of-use |archive-date=2026-02-17 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=Redfin}}</ref>
|"In addition, '''you have the right to opt out of arbitration entirely and litigate any Claim''' if you provide the Redfin Company with whom you are entering into this Agreement with personally signed, written notice of your desire to do so by email at legal@redfin.com or by a personally signed written notice sent by certified mail to Redfin at 1099 Stewart Street, Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98101, within thirty (30) days following the date you first agree to this Agreement."
|
|-
|[[Roku]] website, channel, account, or any Roku product or service
|Roku, Inc.
|"All claims arising out of or relating to your Roku account or any Roku product or service will be resolved exclusively through arbitration, according to these Dispute Resolution Terms, unless you opted out or another exception applies. We both agree that all claims may only be conducted on an individual basis (and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action)."
|[https://docs.roku.com/published/tos/en/us Website Terms of Use], [https://docs.roku.com/published/therokuchannel-userstermsandconditions/en/us Channel Terms of Use]
|
|
|-
|[[Sony]] Playstation Network, PSN Content, PSN Devices
|Sony Entities
|"You and the Sony entity with which you have a dispute agree that arbitration will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class or representative action or as a named or unnamed member in a class, consolidated, representative or private attorney general action, unless both you and the Sony entity with which you have a dispute specifically agree to do so in writing following initiation of the arbitration."
|Section 14 of [https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psn-terms-of-service/ Terms of Service]
|
|
|-
|[[Spotify]]
|Spotify Technology
|"You and Spotify agree that each may bring claims against the other in arbitration or litigation only in your or its individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, collective, consolidated, private attorney general, or representative action. "
|Arbitration Agreement under Section 6 of [https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/end-user-agreement/ Terms of Use]
|
|
|-
|Spreadshirt
|Spreadshirt, Inc.
|"The parties agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement must be submitted to confidential binding arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, except that Spreadshirt may seek injunctive or other appropriate relief in any state or federal court in Massachusetts if you have violated or threatened to violate the intellectual property rights of Spreadshirt or a third party, or any term of any agreement you have with Spreadshirt"
|Section 13 of [https://www.spreadshirt.com/terms-and-conditions-for-customers-C2377 General Terms and Conditions]
|
|
|-
|[[Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC|Ticketmaster]]
|Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC
|"The parties agree that, except as provided below, any dispute, claim, or controversy relating in any way to the terms or your use of the marketplace, which includes all products or services sold, distributed, issued, or serviced by or through us—irrespective of when that dispute, claim, or controversy arose—will be resolved solely by binding arbitration as set forth in the terms, rather than in court. By agreeing to arbitration, the parties agree to waive any right to a jury trial and agree that you and we may bring claims against each other only in an individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class proceeding."
|Section 14 of [https://legal.ticketmaster.com/terms-of-use/ Terms of Use]
|
|
|-
|Vizio Products and Services
|Vizio, Inc.
|"BY USING YOUR VIZIO PRODUCT, YOU AGREE TO THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER, SUBJECT TO YOUR RIGHT TO OPT-OUT AS DESCRIBED BELOW. UNLESS YOU HAVE BROUGHT AN ELIGIBLE CLAIM IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT OR HAVE OPTED OUT AS DESCRIBED BELOW, ANY CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM RELATING IN ANY WAY TO YOUR VIZIO PRODUCT, INCLUDING ANY CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OF SERVICE, ANY WARRANTY, THE COLLECTION, USE OR SHARING OF CUSTOMER OR VIEWING INFORMATION COLLECTED FROM A VIZIO PRODUCT, A BREACH OF THESE TERMS OF SERVICE, OR THE VIZIO PRODUCT’S SALE, CONDITION OR PERFORMANCE, WILL BE SETTLED BY BINDING ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION AND CONDUCTED BY A SINGLE ARBITRATOR APPOINTED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION RULES AND ITS SUPPLEMENTARY PROCEDURES FOR CONSUMER-RELATED DISPUTES. "
|Vizio Terms of Service<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-12 |title=Product Terms of Service |url=https://www.vizio.com/en/terms/terms-of-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251119145151/https://www.vizio.com/en/terms/terms-of-service |archive-date=2025-11-19 |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=Vizio}}</ref>
|"IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE BOUND BY THE BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER, THEN: (1) you must notify VIZIO in writing within sixty (60) days of the date that you purchased the product; (2) your written notification must be mailed to VIZIO at 39 Tesla, Irvine, CA 92618, Attn: Legal Department or submitted electronically via legal@vizio.com; and (3) your written notification must include (a) your name, (b) your address, (c) the date you purchased the product, and (d) a clear statement that you wish to opt out of the binding arbitration agreement. Please note you may not opt out of the Class Action Waiver.
Opting out of this Binding Arbitration Agreement will not affect the coverage of the Limited Warranty in any way, and you will continue to enjoy the benefits of the Limited Warranty.

In addition, you or VIZIO may pursue a claim in small claims court in your county of residence (if in the United States) or in Orange County, California. In such case the provisions of the section titled “Binding Arbitration Agreement; Class Action Waiver (U.S. Residents)” will not apply."
|U.S. Residents Only
|-
|Western Digital Products and Services, and other select products and services chosen by WDT
|Western Digital Technologies, Inc. and/or its affiliates
|"You and WDT agree that, failing informal resolution, any Disputes shall be resolved by binding individual arbitration pursuant to the terms set forth in this Agreement. Arbitration means that you waive your right to a judge or jury in a court proceeding and your grounds for appeal are limited."
|Section 11 of [https://www.westerndigital.com/legal/terms-and-conditions-of-sale-consumer Terms of Sale]
|
|
|-
|Yahoo Inc., and all of its brands, and combined products and services (including AOL brands)
|Yahoo Inc.
|"You and us both agree to resolve any and all disputes, controversies or claims that in any way arise out of or relate to these terms or from any services you receive from us (or from any advertising for any such services), including any disputes between you and our employees or agents (“dispute(s)”), only by arbitration on an individual basis."
|Section 14b of [https://legal.yahoo.com/us/en/yahoo/terms/otos/index.html Terms of Service]
|
|
|-
|ZeniMax, Inc. and subsidiaries; purchase, receipt, use of video games, and other services made available by ZeniMax
|ZeniMax Media, Inc.
|"You and ZeniMax agree that all Disputes (defined below) shall be resolved only by binding, individual arbitration under the U.S. Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”). You and ZeniMax are giving up the right to sue in court before a judge or jury. Instead, a neutral arbitrator decides the Dispute; the arbitrator's decision is final, subject to limited review under the FAA."
|Section 15 of [https://www.zenimax.com/en/legal/terms-of-service Terms of Service]
|Mail within 30 days of first agreeing
|Exception: residents of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway (collectively, the "'''EEA'''"), Switzerland, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, or Turkey.
Class action and mass arbitration waiver.
|-
|[[Zoom]]
|Zoom Communications, Inc., and affiliates
|"You agree to resolve certain disputes with Zoom through binding arbitration (“Arbitration Agreement”). Arbitration means that an arbitrator, and not a judge or a jury, will decide the dispute. The parties expressly waive the right to bring or participate in any kind of class, collective, or mass action, private attorney general action, or any other representative action."
|Section 27 of [https://www.zoom.com/en/trust/terms/?lang=null Terms of Service]
|
|
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Lists]]

Cox Communications

2026-05-06T03:14:10Z

Sojourna:

{{CompanyCargo
|Industry=Telecommunications
|ParentCompany=Cox Enterprises
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://www.cox.com/
|Description=Cox Communications is an Atlanta-based American telecommunications company which provides internet, TV, and phone services.
|Founded=1962|Logo=Cox Communications Logo.svg}}

'''{{Wplink|Cox Communications|Cox Communications, Inc.}}''' is an Atlanta-based American telecommunications company which provides internet, TV, home automation, and phone services. It operates in 18 states, providing service to roughly 7 million customers. They reported $12.6 billion in total revenue for 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cox Communications Fact Sheet |url=https://newsroom.cox.com/company-overview |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202104031/https://newsroom.cox.com/company-overview |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref> Cox is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. It is the largest private broadband company in the United States and 3rd largest broadband company overall in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cox Communications |url=https://www.coxenterprises.com/businesses/cox-communications |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Cox Enterprises |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221204500/https://www.coxenterprises.com/businesses/cox-communications |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''User freedom:''' Every dispute must be resolved through [[forced arbitration]]. Paying users with unlimited plans have their upload speed capped if there's excessive bandwidth usage.

*'''User privacy:''' Cox and affiliates collect extensive private information and share it with third parties, such as data brokers.

*'''Business model:''' Customers can't cancel their subscription easily as there is no [[click-to-cancel]] policy.

*'''Market control:'''

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Difficult cancellation process===
Cox does not have a [[click-to-cancel]] policy for canceling services, instead requiring users to either call support, live chat with an agent online, or visit a physical store.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disconnect or Cancel Service |url=https://www.cox.com/residential/support/disconnect-or-cancel-service.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250917092501/https://www.cox.com/residential/support/disconnect-or-cancel-service.html |archive-date=17 Sep 2025}}</ref> During the call, chat, or visit, the customer service representative will attempt to convince you to keep the service. If you live chat from the website, they will request your account information even if you are signed-in.{{CitationNeeded}}

===Data collection===
Cox and its affiliates collects certain information, such as, "referring URL, clicks, cursor movement, and scrolling activity" to "deliver relevant ads and other content to you on the Online Service and certain third-party services."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-07 |title=Cox Online Privacy Policy Section 1B |url=https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/online-privacy-policy.html#section1b |access-date=2025-08-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206192852/https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/online-privacy-policy.html |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> This includes [[Nielsen]], <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-07 |title=Cox Online Privacy Policy Section 5 |url=https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/online-privacy-policy.html#section5 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206192852/https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/online-privacy-policy.html |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> which is a registered [[Data brokers|data broker]] in the state of California.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-21 |title=Data Broker Registration for Nielsen Marketing Cloud |url=https://www.oag.ca.gov/data-broker/registration/559742 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=State of California Department of Justice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207171603/https://www.oag.ca.gov/data-broker/registration/559742 |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref>

===Binding arbitration===
Cox has a [[forced arbitration]] clause in its [[terms of service]]:<blockquote>'''A. YOU AND COX AGREE TO ARBITRATE — RATHER THAN LITIGATE IN COURT —'''

Any and all claims, disputes, or controversies between you and Cox, including any parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, or agents of Cox, whether based in contract, statute, regulation, ordinance, tort (including, but not limited to, fraud, misrepresentation, fraudulent inducement, negligence, or any other intentional tort) or other legal or equitable theory, except as expressly provided in Sections 4(G) and 4(H) below (“Dispute”) that arise out of or in any way relate to this Agreement, any of the Services provided under this Agreement or any other Services or products that Cox provides to you in connection with this Agreement (including but not limited to amounts that Cox charges you for Services or products provided, any alleged breach related to the collection, retention or disclosure of your personal information, and any alleged violation of our Privacy Notice). You and Cox also agree to arbitrate any and all Disputes that arise out of or relate in any way to any services or products provided to you by Cox or any of its affiliated entities under any other agreement, except as specified in Sections 4(G) and 4(H) below.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-01 |title=Cox Residential Customer Service Agreement - Section 4.A. |url=https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250621223603/https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |archive-date=21 Jun 2025 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Cox}}</ref></blockquote>Opting out requires sending a letter to Cox's headquarters within 30 days of starting services for new customers:<blockquote>'''B. Opt Out:'''

You may opt out of this Dispute Resolution Provision (except for the jury trial waiver contained in Section 4(K) below) by notifying Cox of that intent during the Opt-Out Period by sending an email to Cox at ArbitrationOptOut@cox.com or a letter via U.S. mail to Cox Legal Department, Attn: Litigation Counsel, 6205B Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30328 stating that you are opting out of this dispute resolution provision. Exercising this right, should you choose to do so, will not affect any of the other terms of this Agreement with Cox, and you may remain a Cox customer. If you opt out of the Dispute Resolution Provision, that opt out will remain in effect if Cox modifies this section in the future or you agree to a new term of service under this Agreement. If you enter into a new agreement with Cox that includes a dispute resolution provision and you want to opt out of that provision, you will need to follow the instructions in that agreement for opting out.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cox Residential Customer Service Agreement - Section 4.B. |url=https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250621223603/https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |archive-date=21 Jun 2025 |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Cox}}</ref></blockquote>There is also a clause barring {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuits:
<blockquote>'''C. Class Action and Mass Action Waiver:'''

All Disputes between us must be resolved on an individual basis. Except as specified below, you and Cox agree that all Disputes between you and Cox will be arbitrated individually, and that you will not file or participate in a “Class Action” (as defined in federal, state, or arbitration procedural rules), any other form of class, collective, representative, or consolidated actions (collectively “Mass Action,” which term includes, but is not limited to, any action in which twenty-five or more similar demands for arbitration are filed against Cox or any of its affiliated entities and representation for the parties is consistent or coordinated across all cases. The twenty-five or more demands for arbitration need not be filed simultaneously. A Mass Action expressly includes any mass action as defined under National Arbitration and Mediation (“NAM”) Comprehensive Rules and Procedures (including its Mass Filing Supplemental Dispute Resolution Rules and Procedures). We both agree that it is a material breach of this Dispute Resolution Provision to file or participate in a Class Action or Mass Action, and Cox may enforce this prohibition as set forth in Section 4(H) below. If you or Cox brings a claim in small claims court, this Class Action and Mass Action waiver will apply. Nothing in this subsection bars any claims by you for public injunctive relief, which must be decided in court under Section 4(H) below. We both agree that this Class Action and Mass Action waiver is an essential part of our arbitration agreement and that if this Class Action and Mass Action waiver is found to be unenforceable by any court or arbitrator then the entire arbitration agreement set forth in this Section 4 will not apply to any Dispute between you and Cox, except for the provisions of Section 4(K) waiving the right to jury trial. This Class Action and Mass Action waiver may not be severed from our arbitration agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Residential Customer Service Agreement - Section 4.C. |url=https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250621223603/https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |archive-date=21 Jun 2025 |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Cox}}</ref></blockquote>

===Applying arbitrary bandwidth limitations===
Despite customers paying for unlimited usage, the company has decreased the upload speed of entire neighborhoods from 35 to 10 Mbps due to a few customers using excessive data (8 to 12 TB per month).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=2020-06-08 |title=Cox slows Internet speeds in entire neighborhoods to punish any heavy users |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2020/06/cox-slows-internet-speeds-in-entire-neighborhoods-to-punish-any-heavy-users/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |work=ArsTechnica |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216030608/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2020/06/cox-slows-internet-speeds-in-entire-neighborhoods-to-punish-any-heavy-users/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

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

==See also==
*[[AT&T]]
*[[Optimum]]
*[[Spectrum]]
*[[Verizon]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Telecommunications companies]]

Proton

2026-05-06T03:09:28Z

Sojourna: Clean-up.

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2014
|Industry=Technology, Telecommunications, Computer hardware
|Logo=Proton-logomark-purple-noborder.png
|Type=Private
|Website=https://proton.me
|Description=Proton is a privacy-focused tech company. Their main services include Proton Mail, Proton VPN and Proton Pass.
}}

'''{{Wplink|Proton AG|Proton AG}}''' is a Swiss company known for its commitment to privacy and security in the digital realm. Founded in 2014 by scientists from CERN and MIT, Proton is most commonly associated with its flagship product, [[Protonmail|Proton Mail]], which offers end-to-end encrypted email services. Proton AG has expanded its offerings to include various services that cater to individuals and organizations seeking private secure communication solutions.

==Consumer impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}
*'''User freedom:''' In order to create a Proton account, users accept Proton's Terms of Service, which include a [[forced arbitration]] agreement and {{Wplink|class action}} waiver.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-02 |title=Terms of Service |url=https://proton.me/legal/terms |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-04 |website=Proton |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126155126/https://proton.me/legal/terms |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>

*'''Business model:'''The company operates under the principles of transparency and user privacy, ensuring that user data is protected from unauthorized access.

==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]].

===Proton starts moving their infrastructure out of Switzerland===
Proton AG is relocating most of its infrastructure out of Switzerland in response to proposed changes in Swiss surveillance laws that threaten user privacy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maguire |first=Eamonn |date=23 July 2025 |title=Introducing Lumo, the AI where every conversation is confidential |url=https://proton.me/blog/lumo-ai#:~:text=Building%2520EuroStack%2520for%2520the%2520future |url-status=live |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=proton.me |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221124827/https://proton.me/blog/lumo-ai |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Naprys |first=Ernestas |date=19 May 2025 |title=Proton threatens to leave Switzerland amid proposed law changes |url=https://cybernews.com/security/proton-considers-relocation-from-switzerland/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=cybernews.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251101043041/https://cybernews.com/security/proton-considers-relocation-from-switzerland/ |archive-date=1 Nov 2025}}</ref> The amendments would require companies, including VPNs and messaging services, to identify users and retain their data, which contradicts Proton's commitment to providing secure and private services. To maintain its privacy standards, Proton plans to move its infrastructure to countries like Germany and Norway, where it can operate without the risk of mass surveillance.

CEO Andy Yen has emphasized that if these laws are enacted, Proton would be less confidential than competitors like Google, making it unsustainable for their business model.

===Proton suspends journalists accounts who investigated North Korean cyberattacks (''2025'')===
{{Main|Proton Mail discloses activist IP address to police}}

In June of 2025, writers for the magazine Phrack were investigating cyberattacks from a North Korean group that targeted South Korea's defense infrastructure. The writers disclosed the news of this attack through a dedicated Protonmail account that would only be used for informing South Korea. At the start of August they stopped receiving communication from South Korea, and on August 15th, their dedicated account for disclosure was suspended. The next day a journalist's personal Proton account was suspended as well. When the suspension was appealed, Proton rejected the appeal stating "your account will cause further damage to our service, therefore we will keep the account suspended." After numerous attempts to make contact with Proton, Phrack reached out publicly via [[X]] to Proton. Proton responded saying they had received an alert from a CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) who claimed hackers were misusing the specified Proton accounts. The journalists' accounts were re-instated the day after, but the CERT who made the report was not identified.

==Products==
*Lumo AI
*Proton Authenticator
*Proton Calendar
*Proton Docs
*Proton Drive
*[[Proton Mail]]
*Proton Meet
*Proton Pass
*Proton Sheets
*Proton Wallet
*Proton VPN
*SimpleLogin
*Standard Notes

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Tea Dating Advice

2026-05-06T03:04:24Z

Sojourna: /* Public database leak (2025) */

{{OngoingEvent}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2023
|Industry=Social media service
|Logo=Tea for Women.png
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.teaforwomen.com/
|Description=An app founded in 2023 that allows women to share information about and review local men regarding dating. The app requires identity verification for users.
}}
'''Tea Dating Advice''' (simply known as '''Tea'''), is a women-only social media platform founded in 2023 by Sean Cook.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.teaforwomen.com/about|title=About Us|work=Tea|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727172834/https://www.teaforwomen.com/about|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> The purpose of the app is for women to share their experiences with dating local men, including checking for criminal records.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/26/us/tea-safety-dating-app-hack.html|title=What to Know About the Hack at Tea, an App Where Women Share Red Flags About Men|first=Isabella|last=Kwai|work=The New York Times|date=2025-07-26|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727144832/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/26/us/tea-safety-dating-app-hack.html|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> Some have described the app as a "whisper network".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/dating-nightmare-tea-whisper-network-apps-save-us-2025-7|title=The rise of snitch apps|first=Amanda|last=Hoover|date=2025-07-25|work=Business Insider|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727215848/https://www.businessinsider.com/dating-nightmare-tea-whisper-network-apps-save-us-2025-7|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Consumerimpact summary==
===Freedom===
Users can delete their accounts by contacting the support@teaforwomen.com email. Users who fall under GDPR or the CCPA can access, correct, update, or request deletion of their account.

===Privacy===
According to the [https://www.teaforwomen.com/privacy privacy policy], collected information includes email address, date of birth, location, photograph, and ID photograph. Data such as ID are stated as being "stored only temporarily and will be deleted immediately following the completion of the verification process", however data can be retained if Tea needs to comply with legal, tax or accounting requirements per the Data Retention section. User information is also shared with third party advertisers by default unless the user contacts Tea directly to opt-out.

===Business model===
According to the in-app purchases list, users can pay $7.99 for reverse image searches and criminal record checks, with the subscription tiers ranging from $4.99/month for Tea premium and $9.99-$19.99 for Tea Pro.

===Market control===
As of 2025, the app claims to have more than 1.6 million users, with recent numbers going up to 4.6 million as of July 27, 2025. Apps like ''Are We Dating The Same Guy?'' have a similar purpose.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/are-we-dating-the-same-guy/id6459230401|title=Are We Dating The Same Guy? on the App Store|work=App Store|access-date=2025-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250726180711/https://apps.apple.com/us/app/are-we-dating-the-same-guy/id6459230401|archive-date=2025-07-26|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Public database leak (''2025'')===
On July 25, 2025, a 4chan post detailed a Firebase database leak connected to the Tea app which included 72,000 images, 13,000 being selfies and state IDs with the remaining 59,000 being from direct messages and posts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/women-dating-safety-app-tea-breached-users-ids-posted-to-4chan/|title=Women Dating Safety App 'Tea' Breached, Users' IDs Posted to 4chan|first1=Emanuel|last1=Maiberg|first2=Joseph|last2=Cox|date=2025-07-25|work=404 Media|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727101532/https://www.404media.co/women-dating-safety-app-tea-breached-users-ids-posted-to-4chan/|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> It was alleged by the anonymous user the database contained no credential authentication.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://decrypt.co/331961/tea-app-claimed-protect-women-exposes-72000-ids-epic-security-fail|title=Tea App That Claimed to Protect Women Exposes 72,000 IDs in Epic Security Fail|first=Jose|last=Lanz|date=2025-07-25|work=Decrypt|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727222442/https://decrypt.co/331961/tea-app-claimed-protect-women-exposes-72000-ids-epic-security-fail|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to the nature of the alleged unencrypted database, users from 4chan were able to use the leaked data to create a website called "TeaSpill" for others to choose one of two selfies based on looks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ask/comments/1maag7d/is_teaspill_just_the_start/|title=Is teaspill just the start?|author=u/B_drgnthrn|date=2025-07-27|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-07-28|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250729170106/https://old.reddit.com/r/ask/comments/1maag7d/is_teaspill_just_the_start/|archive-date=29 Jul 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Another website would be made on Google maps that paired user ID strings with their city's approximate location.
 
<gallery mode=nolines class="center" widths="500px">
File:Tea breach 4chan post.jpg|The original 4chan post advertising the leak.
File:Tea Dating Advice Google Map.png|The Google Map data point cluster of some Tea users' cities.
</gallery>

On July 27, Tea made an official statement hidden on their website that stated no email addresses or phone numbers were breached and "only users who signed up before February 2024 were affected".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.teaforwomen.com/cyberincident|title=Official Statement|work=Tea|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727215259/https://www.teaforwomen.com/cyberincident|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> This questions the reliability of the privacy policy, as the verification photos were not deleted over a year after verifying the accounts, to which Tea claimed it was due to "cyber-bullying prevention". The email also claimed the requirement for ID images was removed at the end of 2023.

The next day on July 28, it was reported by 404Media a second "major security issue" was discovered by Kasra Rahjerdi, an independent security researcher that included 1.1 million direct messages between users, with the messages spanning from 2023 to July 2025.<ref name="404-2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/a-second-tea-breach-reveals-users-dms-about-abortions-and-cheating/|title=A Second Tea Breach Reveals Users’ DMs About Abortions and Cheating|first1=Emanuel|last1=Maiberg|first2=Joseph|last2=Cox|date=2025-07-28|work=404 Media|access-date=2025-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250728172154/https://www.404media.co/a-second-tea-breach-reveals-users-dms-about-abortions-and-cheating/|archive-date=2025-07-28|url-status=live}}</ref> The contents of some messages included abortion, sharing information about husbands, and phone numbers.

[[File:TeaOnHer App Store rating.jpg|thumb|right|A list of the top free apps on the American App Store in August 2025]]
On July 29, the Tea app disabled direct messaging for all users as a result of the second data leak, stating "at this time, we have found no evidence of access to other parts of our environment".<ref name="404-3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/tea-app-turns-off-dms-after-exposing-messages-about-abortions-cheating/|title=Tea App Turns Off DMs After Exposing Messages About Abortions, Cheating|first=Joseph|last=Cox|date=2025-07-29|work=404 Media|access-date=2025-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729151012/https://www.404media.co/tea-app-turns-off-dms-after-exposing-messages-about-abortions-cheating/|archive-date=2025-07-29|url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day, a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit was filed by the Cole & Van Note law firm.<ref name="404-4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/tea-user-files-class-action-after-womens-safety-app-exposes-data/|title=Tea User Files Class Action After Women’s Safety App Exposes Data|first1=Emanuel|last1=Maiberg|first2=Joseph|last2=Cox|date=2025-07-29|work=404 Media|access-date=2025-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729194612/https://www.404media.co/tea-user-files-class-action-after-womens-safety-app-exposes-data/|archive-date=2025-07-29|url-status=live}}</ref> The suit was based on the premise of "the people that went to this site thought they were going to be treated with their information would be treated with anonymity, and that trust was violated".<ref name="404-4" />

In August, it was reported an app for men called "TeaOnHer" was leaking user data (IDs, email, usernames) in the same vein as Tea, with a publicly exposed API. <ref name="TC-TOH">{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/teaonher-anonymous-tea-app-rises-apple-store-faces-security-issues-2025-8|title=There's a new 'Tea' app going viral. This time, it's for men to post anonymously about women.|first=Sydney|last=Bradley|date=2025-08-05|work=Business Insider|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811140752/https://www.businessinsider.com/teaonher-anonymous-tea-app-rises-apple-store-faces-security-issues-2025-8|archive-date=2025-08-11|url-status=live}}</ref> A second vulnerability was in the form of the owner, Xavier Lampkin's exposed plaintext credentials.<ref name="TC-TOH" /> The app had a "guest" view option, with a majority of the posts being of nude women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/06/a-rival-tea-app-for-men-is-leaking-its-users-personal-data-and-drivers-licenses/|title=TeaOnHer, a rival Tea app for men, is leaking users’ personal data and driver’s licenses|first1=Amanda|last1=Silberling|first2=Zack|last2=Whittaker|date=2025-08-06|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811141340/https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/06/a-rival-tea-app-for-men-is-leaking-its-users-personal-data-and-drivers-licenses/|archive-date=2025-08-11|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 22, 2025, Tea Dating Advice and TeaOnHer were removed from the [[App Store]] because they "failed to meet Apple’s requirements around content moderation and user privacy", specifically guidelines 1.2, 5.1.2, and 5.6.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/22/apple-confirms-it-pulled-controversial-dating-apps-tea-and-teaonher-from-the-app-store/|title=Apple confirms it pulled controversial dating apps Tea and TeaOnHer from the App Store|first=Sarah|last=Perez|date=2022-10-22|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-10-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114084429/https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/22/apple-confirms-it-pulled-controversial-dating-apps-tea-and-teaonher-from-the-app-store/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref> On one of their [[Instagram]] posts, the company replied to a user stating "the app is temporarily unavailable on the app store" and "thank you so much for your patience while we work to get this resolved".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/theteapartygirls/reel/DQIpdRokRwk/?hl=en|title=@alie.lima is our spirit animal👯💜🫖 #loveisblind|date=2025-10-22|work=Instagram|author=@theteapartygirls|quote=Hi 💜 The app is temporarily unavailable on the App Store. Thank you so much for your patience while we work to get this resolved...we're so happy you're here 🫖}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Bumble]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tea-dating-advice/id6444453051 Tea Dating Advice on the App Store]
*[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tea.tea&hl=en_US Tea Dating Advice on Google Play]

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Tea Dating Advice

2026-05-06T02:57:48Z

Sojourna:

{{OngoingEvent}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2023
|Industry=Social media service
|Logo=Tea for Women.png
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.teaforwomen.com/
|Description=An app founded in 2023 that allows women to share information about and review local men regarding dating. The app requires identity verification for users.
}}
'''Tea Dating Advice''' (simply known as '''Tea'''), is a women-only social media platform founded in 2023 by Sean Cook.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.teaforwomen.com/about|title=About Us|work=Tea|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727172834/https://www.teaforwomen.com/about|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> The purpose of the app is for women to share their experiences with dating local men, including checking for criminal records.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/26/us/tea-safety-dating-app-hack.html|title=What to Know About the Hack at Tea, an App Where Women Share Red Flags About Men|first=Isabella|last=Kwai|work=The New York Times|date=2025-07-26|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727144832/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/26/us/tea-safety-dating-app-hack.html|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> Some have described the app as a "whisper network".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/dating-nightmare-tea-whisper-network-apps-save-us-2025-7|title=The rise of snitch apps|first=Amanda|last=Hoover|date=2025-07-25|work=Business Insider|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727215848/https://www.businessinsider.com/dating-nightmare-tea-whisper-network-apps-save-us-2025-7|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Consumerimpact summary==
===Freedom===
Users can delete their accounts by contacting the support@teaforwomen.com email. Users who fall under GDPR or the CCPA can access, correct, update, or request deletion of their account.

===Privacy===
According to the [https://www.teaforwomen.com/privacy privacy policy], collected information includes email address, date of birth, location, photograph, and ID photograph. Data such as ID are stated as being "stored only temporarily and will be deleted immediately following the completion of the verification process", however data can be retained if Tea needs to comply with legal, tax or accounting requirements per the Data Retention section. User information is also shared with third party advertisers by default unless the user contacts Tea directly to opt-out.

===Business model===
According to the in-app purchases list, users can pay $7.99 for reverse image searches and criminal record checks, with the subscription tiers ranging from $4.99/month for Tea premium and $9.99-$19.99 for Tea Pro.

===Market control===
As of 2025, the app claims to have more than 1.6 million users, with recent numbers going up to 4.6 million as of July 27, 2025. Apps like ''Are We Dating The Same Guy?'' have a similar purpose.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/are-we-dating-the-same-guy/id6459230401|title=Are We Dating The Same Guy? on the App Store|work=App Store|access-date=2025-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250726180711/https://apps.apple.com/us/app/are-we-dating-the-same-guy/id6459230401|archive-date=2025-07-26|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Public database leak (''2025'')===
[[File:Tea breach 4chan post.jpg|thumb|right|The original 4chan post advertising the leak]]
On July 25, 2025, a 4chan post detailed a Firebase database leak connected to the Tea app which included 72,000 images, 13,000 being selfies and state IDs with the remaining 59,000 being from direct messages and posts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/women-dating-safety-app-tea-breached-users-ids-posted-to-4chan/|title=Women Dating Safety App 'Tea' Breached, Users' IDs Posted to 4chan|first1=Emanuel|last1=Maiberg|first2=Joseph|last2=Cox|date=2025-07-25|work=404 Media|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727101532/https://www.404media.co/women-dating-safety-app-tea-breached-users-ids-posted-to-4chan/|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> It was alleged by the anonymous user the database contained no credential authentication.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://decrypt.co/331961/tea-app-claimed-protect-women-exposes-72000-ids-epic-security-fail|title=Tea App That Claimed to Protect Women Exposes 72,000 IDs in Epic Security Fail|first=Jose|last=Lanz|date=2025-07-25|work=Decrypt|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727222442/https://decrypt.co/331961/tea-app-claimed-protect-women-exposes-72000-ids-epic-security-fail|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to the nature of the alleged unencrypted database, users from 4chan were able to use the leaked data to create a website called "TeaSpill" for others to choose one of two selfies based on looks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ask/comments/1maag7d/is_teaspill_just_the_start/|title=Is teaspill just the start?|author=u/B_drgnthrn|date=2025-07-27|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-07-28|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250729170106/https://old.reddit.com/r/ask/comments/1maag7d/is_teaspill_just_the_start/|archive-date=29 Jul 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Another website would be made on Google maps that paired user ID strings with their city's approximate location.

<gallery>
File:Tea Dating Advice Google Map.png|The Google Map data point cluster of some Tea users' cities.
</gallery>

On July 27, Tea made an official statement hidden on their website that stated no email addresses or phone numbers were breached and "only users who signed up before February 2024 were affected".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.teaforwomen.com/cyberincident|title=Official Statement|work=Tea|access-date=2025-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727215259/https://www.teaforwomen.com/cyberincident|archive-date=2025-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> This questions the reliability of the privacy policy, as the verification photos were not deleted over a year after verifying the accounts, to which Tea claimed it was due to "cyber-bullying prevention". The email also claimed the requirement for ID images was removed at the end of 2023.

The next day on July 28, it was reported by 404Media a second "major security issue" was discovered by Kasra Rahjerdi, an independent security researcher that included 1.1 million direct messages between users, with the messages spanning from 2023 to July 2025.<ref name="404-2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/a-second-tea-breach-reveals-users-dms-about-abortions-and-cheating/|title=A Second Tea Breach Reveals Users’ DMs About Abortions and Cheating|first1=Emanuel|last1=Maiberg|first2=Joseph|last2=Cox|date=2025-07-28|work=404 Media|access-date=2025-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250728172154/https://www.404media.co/a-second-tea-breach-reveals-users-dms-about-abortions-and-cheating/|archive-date=2025-07-28|url-status=live}}</ref> The contents of some messages included abortion, sharing information about husbands, and phone numbers.

[[File:TeaOnHer App Store rating.jpg|thumb|right|A list of the top free apps on the American App Store in August 2025]]
On July 29, the Tea app disabled direct messaging for all users as a result of the second data leak, stating "at this time, we have found no evidence of access to other parts of our environment".<ref name="404-3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/tea-app-turns-off-dms-after-exposing-messages-about-abortions-cheating/|title=Tea App Turns Off DMs After Exposing Messages About Abortions, Cheating|first=Joseph|last=Cox|date=2025-07-29|work=404 Media|access-date=2025-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729151012/https://www.404media.co/tea-app-turns-off-dms-after-exposing-messages-about-abortions-cheating/|archive-date=2025-07-29|url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day, a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit was filed by the Cole & Van Note law firm.<ref name="404-4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/tea-user-files-class-action-after-womens-safety-app-exposes-data/|title=Tea User Files Class Action After Women’s Safety App Exposes Data|first1=Emanuel|last1=Maiberg|first2=Joseph|last2=Cox|date=2025-07-29|work=404 Media|access-date=2025-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729194612/https://www.404media.co/tea-user-files-class-action-after-womens-safety-app-exposes-data/|archive-date=2025-07-29|url-status=live}}</ref> The suit was based on the premise of "the people that went to this site thought they were going to be treated with their information would be treated with anonymity, and that trust was violated".<ref name="404-4" />

In August, it was reported an app for men called "TeaOnHer" was leaking user data (IDs, email, usernames) in the same vein as Tea, with a publicly exposed API. <ref name="TC-TOH">{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/teaonher-anonymous-tea-app-rises-apple-store-faces-security-issues-2025-8|title=There's a new 'Tea' app going viral. This time, it's for men to post anonymously about women.|first=Sydney|last=Bradley|date=2025-08-05|work=Business Insider|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811140752/https://www.businessinsider.com/teaonher-anonymous-tea-app-rises-apple-store-faces-security-issues-2025-8|archive-date=2025-08-11|url-status=live}}</ref> A second vulnerability was in the form of the owner, Xavier Lampkin's exposed plaintext credentials.<ref name="TC-TOH" /> The app had a "guest" view option, with a majority of the posts being of nude women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/06/a-rival-tea-app-for-men-is-leaking-its-users-personal-data-and-drivers-licenses/|title=TeaOnHer, a rival Tea app for men, is leaking users’ personal data and driver’s licenses|first1=Amanda|last1=Silberling|first2=Zack|last2=Whittaker|date=2025-08-06|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811141340/https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/06/a-rival-tea-app-for-men-is-leaking-its-users-personal-data-and-drivers-licenses/|archive-date=2025-08-11|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 22, 2025, Tea Dating Advice and TeaOnHer were removed from the [[App Store]] because they "failed to meet Apple’s requirements around content moderation and user privacy", specifically guidelines 1.2, 5.1.2, and 5.6.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/22/apple-confirms-it-pulled-controversial-dating-apps-tea-and-teaonher-from-the-app-store/|title=Apple confirms it pulled controversial dating apps Tea and TeaOnHer from the App Store|first=Sarah|last=Perez|date=2022-10-22|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-10-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114084429/https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/22/apple-confirms-it-pulled-controversial-dating-apps-tea-and-teaonher-from-the-app-store/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref> On one of their [[Instagram]] posts, the company replied to a user stating "the app is temporarily unavailable on the app store" and "thank you so much for your patience while we work to get this resolved".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/theteapartygirls/reel/DQIpdRokRwk/?hl=en|title=@alie.lima is our spirit animal👯💜🫖 #loveisblind|date=2025-10-22|work=Instagram|author=@theteapartygirls|quote=Hi 💜 The app is temporarily unavailable on the App Store. Thank you so much for your patience while we work to get this resolved...we're so happy you're here 🫖}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Bumble]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tea-dating-advice/id6444453051 Tea Dating Advice on the App Store]
*[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tea.tea&hl=en_US Tea Dating Advice on Google Play]

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Sig Sauer

2026-05-06T02:54:54Z

Sojourna:

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Needs clean up to conform to wiki standards.}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=2007
|Industry=Firearms
|Logo=Sig sauer logo.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.sigsauer.com/
}}

'''{{Wplink|SIG Sauer}}''' is a Swiss brand name of firearms originally manufactured in Neuhausen am Rheinfall. Several sister companies that design and manufacture firearms use the trade name SIG Sauer [ɛs iː ɡeː ˈzaʊ̯ɐ] and it is also a registered brand name. The original company, ''Schweizerische Waggonfabrik'' (SWF), later ''Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft'' (SIG), went through several selloffs, leaving the SIG Sauer brand spread over several companies. The original SIG is now known as SIG Group and no longer has any firearms business.

*The German company was '''SIG Sauer GmbH & Co. KG'''. It was formed in 1976 as a partnership between Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) of Switzerland and J.P. Sauer & Sohn of Germany before going defunct in 2020.
*The Swiss company is '''SIG Sauer AG'''. Its predecessor '''SIG Arms AG''' was sold to L&O Holding in western Germany and was first renamed '''SAN Swiss Arms AG''', commonly known as Swiss Arms, and in late 2019 was further renamed '''SIG Sauer AG'''.
*The American company is '''Sig Sauer, Inc''' (stylized as SIG SAUER). Its predecessor '''SIGARMS''' was founded in Virginia in 1985 to import and distribute SIG Sauer firearms into the United States: Its headquarters were moved to New Hampshire in 1990. This company was renamed '''Sig Sauer, Inc.''' in 2007, and since 2000 is organizationally separate from SIG Sauer GmbH.

L&O Holding is the parent company of the Swiss SIG Sauer AG and the American Sig Sauer Inc.

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

*Sig has been failing to address customer concern to some extent with the safety of their P320 and their M17 model of pistols. these are effectively the same firearm though for the civilian and military markets respectively. this has been brought to court rather frequently and culminated in at least several investigations.
*A 2023 investigation by ''The Washington Post'' and ''The Trace'' found more than 100 people who say their P320 discharged with no trigger pressure; at least 80 of them were wounded as a result. At least 35 of the shootings are purported to have occurred with either post-2017 P320s with the updated design intended to address the drop firing problem, or older ones which had been updated by SIG Sauer.
*the striker assembly for the P320 has a part that was designed to be stamped, though initial models were mimmed to save on costs
*the FBI report on the ballistic performance of the M17(P320) mentions risk of Negligent/Accidental discharge being reasonable in a law enforcement role, despite this the P320 is commonly fielded by law enforcement agencies throughout the US

==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]].

===Controversial recommendation in manual===
The 2025 Sig Sauer P320 manual adds a change specifying that users should not carry the firearm with a round in the chamber. This goes against many voices in the community of people who concealed carry as in a situation that warrants use of the firearm there is no guarantee that an individual will have the opportunity to rack the slide before firing. This is a new amendment to the manual that was not present in prior years and may be verified on the documentation page for the gun.

===Sheperis v. Sig Sauer, Inc. (''2017'')===
*{{Wplink|SIG Sauer P320#Sheperis v. Sig Sauer, Inc.|''Sheperis v. Sig Sauer, Inc.''}} (settled in 2018, on the grounds that the issue was rectified via voluntary trigger upgrade)

===Hartley, et al. v. Sig Sauer, Inc. (''2018'')===
*{{Wplink|SIG Sauer P320#Hartley, et al. v. Sig Sauer, Inc.|''Hartley, et al. v. Sig Sauer, Inc.''}} ({{Wplink|class action}} suit in February 2020, extended the voluntary trigger upgrade program and made Sig Sauer reimburse people whose firearms were unrepairable/were charged for the voluntary trigger upgrade. A class action settlement form is available on the SIG Sauer website.)

==Products==
{{Wplink|SIG Sauer#Products}} list on [[Wikipedia]]
*SIG Sauer P320

==See also==
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=LfnhTYeVHHE
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjEhgXAALL8

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIG_Sauer_P320#Lawsuits_regarding_P320 Lawsuits regarding P320 on Wikipedia]
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=LfnhTYeVHHE

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Filmora lifetime licenses terminated

2026-05-06T02:53:39Z

Sojourna: /* Lawsuit */

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Cargo fields need filling out.}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Wondershare
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=
|ArticleType=
|Type=
|Description=
}}
'''[[Wondershare]]''', the company behind '''[[wikipedia:Wondershare_Filmora|Wondershare Filmora]]''', changed its licensing policy, causing controversy among users. Originally, lifetime licenses promised unlimited access to future updates. However, Wondershare later restricted these licenses, requiring users to pay for major updates instead.

==Background==
'''Filmora''' is a video editing software designed for content creators and videographers. The software initially offered lifetime licenses, which were priced at $59.99, $20 more than the $39.99/year subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ernie |date=3 Jan 2023 |title=Filmora lifetime license controvery |url=https://midrange.tedium.co/issues/filmora-lifetime-license-controversy/ |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=MidRange |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251005231658/https://midrange.tedium.co/issues/filmora-lifetime-license-controversy/ |archive-date=5 Oct 2025}}</ref> That meant that the lifetime license was cheaper than going for the yearly subscription twice.

==Terminating lifetime licenses==
In 2022, Wondershare altered its licensing terms, effectively invalidating the lifetime nature of these licenses. Instead of providing continuous updates, Wondershare restricted major upgrades (e.g., from Filmora 9 to Filmora 10) to users with subscription-based plans or those willing to pay an additional upgrade fee. This decision led to a significant backlash from customers who had purchased a lifetime license, believing they were entitled to all future versions at no extra cost.

Wondershare initially justified the change by claiming that the lifetime license only covered updates within the same major version (e.g., all updates within Filmora 9.x but not Filmora 10). However, this contradicted the original understanding many users had when purchasing the product.

===Wondershare's response===
The company directly addressed the users of the lifetime license users, putting out a statement with a public apology for the caused confusion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Dec 2022 |title=Wondershare FINALLY makes things right for their old lifetime license users!! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Filmora/comments/zzwczm/wondershare_finally_makes_things_right_for_their/ |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |via=Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230101000820/https://old.reddit.com/r/Filmora/comments/zzwczm/wondershare_finally_makes_things_right_for_their/ |archive-date=1 Jan 2023}}</ref> In that same statement, two compensation options are offered. Customers get a free upgrade to the latest version, but it does not state about future updates. By the specific language used, in this case "upgrade", the earlier lifetime updating does not seem applicable anymore after this. In the case that customers had already payed, they could get a full refund if they responded within a month, otherwise the company assumes they opt for getting additional software (priced at $99) as a way of compensation.

==Lawsuit==
In February 2024, there was a related {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit filed, alleging that Wondershare lures consumers into automatically renewing subscriptions without making proper disclosures or obtaining customer consent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCroskey |first=Kelsey |date=26 February 2024 |title=Wondershare Hit with Lawsuit Over Alleged Subscription Auto-Renewal Practices |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/wondershare-hit-with-lawsuit-over-alleged-subscription-auto-renewal-practices |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=ClassAction.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250803120045/https://www.classaction.org/news/wondershare-hit-with-lawsuit-over-alleged-subscription-auto-renewal-practices |archive-date=3 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>https://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/cacdce/2:2024cv01314/915366 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708172903/https://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/cacdce/2:2024cv01314/915366 Archived])</ref> The court order established a 90-day window for settlement negotiations, and the case was dismissed subject to settlement consummation.<ref>https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/cacdce/2:2024cv01314/915366/42 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708172901/https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/cacdce/2:2024cv01314/915366/42 Archived])</ref>

The complaint alleged that Wondershare engaged in "misleading, false, unfair, and deceptive" practices, with customers seeking refunds and damages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Feb 2024 |title=Plaintiff Sues Software Editing Firm for Violating Calif. Automatic Renewal Law |url=https://communicationslitigationtoday.com/article/2024/02/21/plaintiff-sues-software-editing-firm-for-violating-calif-automatic-renewal-law-2402200028 |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=Communications Litigation Today |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251019021748/https://communicationslitigationtoday.com/article/2024/02/21/plaintiff-sues-software-editing-firm-for-violating-calif-automatic-renewal-law-2402200028 |archive-date=19 Oct 2025}}</ref>

==Consumer response==

*'''Deceptive Advertising:''' Numerous users accused Wondershare of false advertising regarding the lifetime licenses. Industry reporting indicated a widely held view that Wondershare's marketing had been unclear about license limitations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 Jan 2023 |title=Changing Rules of Lifetime Licenses Might Be Illegal |url=https://nofilmschool.com/lifetime-licenses-need-to-knows |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=NoFilmSchool.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251015232747/https://nofilmschool.com/lifetime-licenses-need-to-knows |archive-date=15 Oct 2025}}</ref>
*'''Erosion of Trust:''' Previous trust in Wondershare's products evaporated, leaving customers wary of future purchases from the company. The blogger Ernie Smith described the license switch as "sneaky" in his coverage of the controversy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ernie |date=3 Jan 2023 |title=Filmora lifetime license controvery |url=https://midrange.tedium.co/issues/filmora-lifetime-license-controversy/ |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=MidRange |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251005231658/https://midrange.tedium.co/issues/filmora-lifetime-license-controversy/ |archive-date=5 Oct 2025}}</ref>
*'''Refund Requests:''' There was a significant demand for refunds from those who held "lifetime" licenses, claiming the product did not meet the expectations set by its marketing. Allegations from the class action lawsuit that Wondershare had been "luring" and "trapping" customers with deceptive license and subscription practices raised the profile of, and contributed to, this demand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Feb 2024 |title=Class Action Accuses Wondershare of Allegedly Misleading Customers into Auto-Renewal for Filmora |url=https://socalrecord.com/stories/654977105-class-action-accuses-wondershare-of-allegedly-misleading-customers-into-auto-renewal-for-filmora |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=SoCal Record |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250515061722/https://socalrecord.com/stories/654977105-class-action-accuses-wondershare-of-allegedly-misleading-customers-into-auto-renewal-for-filmora |archive-date=15 May 2025}}</ref>

==See Also==
*'''Daniel Batal's coverage:'''
**{{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 |via=YouTube |ref=Batal-video-1 |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=bm90xW40c3A |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}
**{{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 |via=YouTube |ref=Batal-video-2 |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=OMIIwQZMFLE |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}
**{{Cite web |last=Batal |first=Daniel |date=2 Jan 2023 |title=Filmora Buckles Under Public Pressure! (but issues a threat) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy1HiWGchMg |via=YouTube |ref=Batal-video-3 |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Xy1HiWGchMg |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}

*'''Louis Rossmann's coverage:'''
**{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=2 Jan 2023 |title=Filmora/Wondershare is a bad company for more reasons than you think |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKX0LjGBBqo |via=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=eKX0LjGBBqo |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Filmora]]
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]

Filmora lifetime licenses terminated

2026-05-06T02:53:04Z

Sojourna: Added incomplete tag since stub tag does not have reason field.

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Cargo fields need filling out.}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Wondershare
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=
|ArticleType=
|Type=
|Description=
}}
'''[[Wondershare]]''', the company behind '''[[wikipedia:Wondershare_Filmora|Wondershare Filmora]]''', changed its licensing policy, causing controversy among users. Originally, lifetime licenses promised unlimited access to future updates. However, Wondershare later restricted these licenses, requiring users to pay for major updates instead.

==Background==
'''Filmora''' is a video editing software designed for content creators and videographers. The software initially offered lifetime licenses, which were priced at $59.99, $20 more than the $39.99/year subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ernie |date=3 Jan 2023 |title=Filmora lifetime license controvery |url=https://midrange.tedium.co/issues/filmora-lifetime-license-controversy/ |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=MidRange |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251005231658/https://midrange.tedium.co/issues/filmora-lifetime-license-controversy/ |archive-date=5 Oct 2025}}</ref> That meant that the lifetime license was cheaper than going for the yearly subscription twice.

==Terminating lifetime licenses==
In 2022, Wondershare altered its licensing terms, effectively invalidating the lifetime nature of these licenses. Instead of providing continuous updates, Wondershare restricted major upgrades (e.g., from Filmora 9 to Filmora 10) to users with subscription-based plans or those willing to pay an additional upgrade fee. This decision led to a significant backlash from customers who had purchased a lifetime license, believing they were entitled to all future versions at no extra cost.

Wondershare initially justified the change by claiming that the lifetime license only covered updates within the same major version (e.g., all updates within Filmora 9.x but not Filmora 10). However, this contradicted the original understanding many users had when purchasing the product.

===Wondershare's response===
The company directly addressed the users of the lifetime license users, putting out a statement with a public apology for the caused confusion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Dec 2022 |title=Wondershare FINALLY makes things right for their old lifetime license users!! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Filmora/comments/zzwczm/wondershare_finally_makes_things_right_for_their/ |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |via=Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230101000820/https://old.reddit.com/r/Filmora/comments/zzwczm/wondershare_finally_makes_things_right_for_their/ |archive-date=1 Jan 2023}}</ref> In that same statement, two compensation options are offered. Customers get a free upgrade to the latest version, but it does not state about future updates. By the specific language used, in this case "upgrade", the earlier lifetime updating does not seem applicable anymore after this. In the case that customers had already payed, they could get a full refund if they responded within a month, otherwise the company assumes they opt for getting additional software (priced at $99) as a way of compensation.

==Lawsuit==
In February 2024, there was a related [[class action]] lawsuit filed, alleging that Wondershare lures consumers into automatically renewing subscriptions without making proper disclosures or obtaining customer consent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCroskey |first=Kelsey |date=26 February 2024 |title=Wondershare Hit with Lawsuit Over Alleged Subscription Auto-Renewal Practices |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/wondershare-hit-with-lawsuit-over-alleged-subscription-auto-renewal-practices |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=ClassAction.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250803120045/https://www.classaction.org/news/wondershare-hit-with-lawsuit-over-alleged-subscription-auto-renewal-practices |archive-date=3 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>https://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/cacdce/2:2024cv01314/915366 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708172903/https://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/cacdce/2:2024cv01314/915366 Archived])</ref> The court order established a 90-day window for settlement negotiations, and the case was dismissed subject to settlement consummation.<ref>https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/cacdce/2:2024cv01314/915366/42 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708172901/https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/cacdce/2:2024cv01314/915366/42 Archived])</ref>

The complaint alleged that Wondershare engaged in "misleading, false, unfair, and deceptive" practices, with customers seeking refunds and damages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Feb 2024 |title=Plaintiff Sues Software Editing Firm for Violating Calif. Automatic Renewal Law |url=https://communicationslitigationtoday.com/article/2024/02/21/plaintiff-sues-software-editing-firm-for-violating-calif-automatic-renewal-law-2402200028 |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=Communications Litigation Today |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251019021748/https://communicationslitigationtoday.com/article/2024/02/21/plaintiff-sues-software-editing-firm-for-violating-calif-automatic-renewal-law-2402200028 |archive-date=19 Oct 2025}}</ref>

==Consumer response==

*'''Deceptive Advertising:''' Numerous users accused Wondershare of false advertising regarding the lifetime licenses. Industry reporting indicated a widely held view that Wondershare's marketing had been unclear about license limitations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 Jan 2023 |title=Changing Rules of Lifetime Licenses Might Be Illegal |url=https://nofilmschool.com/lifetime-licenses-need-to-knows |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=NoFilmSchool.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251015232747/https://nofilmschool.com/lifetime-licenses-need-to-knows |archive-date=15 Oct 2025}}</ref>
*'''Erosion of Trust:''' Previous trust in Wondershare's products evaporated, leaving customers wary of future purchases from the company. The blogger Ernie Smith described the license switch as "sneaky" in his coverage of the controversy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ernie |date=3 Jan 2023 |title=Filmora lifetime license controvery |url=https://midrange.tedium.co/issues/filmora-lifetime-license-controversy/ |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=MidRange |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251005231658/https://midrange.tedium.co/issues/filmora-lifetime-license-controversy/ |archive-date=5 Oct 2025}}</ref>
*'''Refund Requests:''' There was a significant demand for refunds from those who held "lifetime" licenses, claiming the product did not meet the expectations set by its marketing. Allegations from the class action lawsuit that Wondershare had been "luring" and "trapping" customers with deceptive license and subscription practices raised the profile of, and contributed to, this demand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Feb 2024 |title=Class Action Accuses Wondershare of Allegedly Misleading Customers into Auto-Renewal for Filmora |url=https://socalrecord.com/stories/654977105-class-action-accuses-wondershare-of-allegedly-misleading-customers-into-auto-renewal-for-filmora |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=SoCal Record |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250515061722/https://socalrecord.com/stories/654977105-class-action-accuses-wondershare-of-allegedly-misleading-customers-into-auto-renewal-for-filmora |archive-date=15 May 2025}}</ref>

==See Also==
*'''Daniel Batal's coverage:'''
**{{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 |via=YouTube |ref=Batal-video-1 |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=bm90xW40c3A |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}
**{{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 |via=YouTube |ref=Batal-video-2 |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=OMIIwQZMFLE |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}
**{{Cite web |last=Batal |first=Daniel |date=2 Jan 2023 |title=Filmora Buckles Under Public Pressure! (but issues a threat) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy1HiWGchMg |via=YouTube |ref=Batal-video-3 |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Xy1HiWGchMg |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}

*'''Louis Rossmann's coverage:'''
**{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=2 Jan 2023 |title=Filmora/Wondershare is a bad company for more reasons than you think |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKX0LjGBBqo |via=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=eKX0LjGBBqo |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Filmora]]
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]

Coffee Meets Bagel

2026-05-06T02:49:59Z

Sojourna:

{{StubNotice}}
{{Cleanup|Issue 1=Reference not properly formatted. See [[Template:Cite web]].|Issue 2=This article is using the wrong cargo if the page is intended to discuss the PRODUCT.}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Type=Private
|Founded=2012
|Industry=Online dating
|Website=https://coffeemeetsbagel.com/
|Logo=CoffeeMeetsBagel logo.png
|Description=
}}

'''{{Wplink|Coffee Meets Bagel}}''' is a dating and social-networking service based in the United States, founded in 2012 by three sisters.

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

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Refund process===
The cancellation window for the service is 14 days in EU, EEA, UK, and Switzerland, and 72 hours in the states of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin, as outlined in sections 8 and 20 of the [[terms of service]] (TOS).<ref name="tos" /> Customers in other states are not eligible for refund. The process for cancellation regardless of region includes either going through the subscription provider (Apple) or mailing a signed notice to the company's PO box. California and Ohio users are given the option to open a ticket through an online portal.

<gallery>
File:Coffemeetsbagel-section20.png|Portion of section 20 of Coffee Meets Bagel TOS, cancellation process|alt=A screenshot of section 20 of the terms of service outlining the mail in cancelation process for customers
File:Coffemeetsbagel-section8b.png|Portion of section 8 of Coffee Meets Bagel TOS, general cancellation policy|alt=A screenshot of section 8 of the terms of service outlining the general cancellation policy
File:Coffemeetsbagel-section8a.png|Portion of section 8 of Coffee Meets Bagel TOS, cancellation policy in EU and specific regions|alt=A screenshot of section 8 of the terms of service outlining the cancellation policy as it applies to customers in the EU or other specific regions
</gallery>

===Forced arbitration (''2024'')===
Section 19 of Coffee Meets Bagel's Terms of Use states that the user, by accepting the terms of service, waives their right to litigation.<ref name="tos">[https://coffeemeetsbagel.com/tos "Coffee Meets Bagel Terms of service"] accessed 29 Jan 2025, [https://archive.ph/3LI8i archive] via archive.today on 6 Sep 2024, [https://web.archive.org/web/20250129121617/https://coffeemeetsbagel.com/tos archive] via archive.org on 29 Jan 2025</ref> In particular, the terms of service prohibit customers' from participation in any kind of {{Wplink|class action}} and limits claims to the customers' individual capacity. In addition, prior to any action, the terms of service stipulate that a "pre-demand notice" be physically mailed to Coffee Meets Bagel offices that has to meet certain criteria.

<gallery>
File:Coffemeetsbagel-section19e.png|Portion of section 19 of Coffee Meets Bagel TOS, class action waiver|alt=A screenshot of section 19 of the terms of service outlining waiving of the right to class action by customers
File:Coffemeetsbagel-section19c.png|Portion of section 19 of Coffee Meets Bagel TOS, pre-demand notice|alt=A screenshot of section 19 of the terms of service outlining the pre-demand notice requirement for litigation
</gallery>

The [[Forced arbitration|forced-arbitration]] clause was added in March 2024, shortly after Coffee Meets Bagel changed how its premium subscription worked (in December 2023) and denied refund requests to users who were past their refund period.{{CitationNeeded}}

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

VRChat

2026-05-06T02:46:09Z

Sojourna:

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Company developing the virtual reality application VRChat.
|Founded=2014
|Industry=Entertainment, Virtual Reality
|Logo=VRChat_Logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=
|Website=https://hello.vrchat.com/
}}

'''{{Wplink|VRChat}}''' is a digital application first released in 2014 by VRChat, Inc. While it is designed primarily for virtual reality, it is also available for desktop and mobile devices. The game focuses on social interaction and user generated content, such as worlds and avatars.

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''Forced arbitration:''' VRChat's terms of service<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=18 Nov 2024 |title=Terms of Service |url=https://hello.vrchat.com/legal |url-status=live |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=[[VRChat]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260103220003/https://hello.vrchat.com/legal |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref> includes a [[forced arbitration]] clause with a {{Wplink|class action}} waiver. To opt out, you must send a letter containing your full legal name and your email address to VRChat Inc. within 30 days of agreeing to the TOS.
*'''Severe privacy deprivation:''' VRChat's terms of service Section 13.4 says that VRChat Inc. and their staff are allowed to spy on you even in private worlds; Such ways they might do so Include: Microphone Input, and tracking data you provide to VRChat such as devices like Headset Movements listed on [https://hello.vrchat.com/privacy#1 Section 1.B]. With this information they list In [https://hello.vrchat.com/privacy#2 Section 2] of the privacy policy that It could be shared for marketing purposes or law enforcement.<ref name=":0" /><ref>"VRChat reserves the right to monitor your use of the Platform (whether or not you are in a private world, location or setting within the Platform), including by making audio or video recordings of your activities on the Platform"</ref>
*'''Uses Age Verification with Persona:''' VRChat Uses [[Persona]] to age verify users which raises a big privacy concern on how they may link you to your online Identity.

==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]].

===Easy Anti-Cheat controversy===
On 25 July 2022, VRChat announced The VRChat Security Update. This update would force all PC players into running Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC for short) on their systems. Easy Anti-Cheat is a [[Kernel level anti-cheats|kernel level anti-cheat]] developed by [[Epic Games, Inc.|Epic Games]]. In their blog post VRChat stated the update was done to block the use of modified clients and to improve user security by blocking malicious clients.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Jul 2022 |title=The VRChat Security Update |url=https://hello.vrchat.com/blog/vrchat-security-update |url-status=live |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=[[VRChat]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251213054904/https://hello.vrchat.com/blog/vrchat-security-update |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> While this update succeeded in blocking PC clients, many of the clients were very popular at the time and offered many quality of life features. EAC has also raised numerous privacy concerns for how it operates on a user's system and what type of data it collects. EAC is also prone to crashing and causing [[wikipedia:Blue_screen_of_death|blue screen errors]]. This update also failed to cover the Meta Quest version of the game, which some malicious clients migrated to. Notably, clients that were used to {{Wplink|Ripping|rip}} avatars and user generated assets.

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

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Virtual reality companies]]
[[Category:Companies using forced arbitration clauses]]

T-Mobile US

2026-05-06T02:41:30Z

Sojourna:

{{Cleanup|Not following format provided in [[Template:CompanyPreload]].}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American cell network operator.
|Founded=1994
|Industry=Telecommunications
|Logo=T-Mobile US logo.svg
|ParentCompany=Deutsche Telekom (51.4%)
|Type=Public subsidiary
|Website=https://t-mobile.com/
}}

'''{{Wplink|T-Mobile US|T-Mobile US, Inc.}}''' is an American wireless network operator headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Its largest shareholder is {{Wplink|Deutsche Telekom|Deutsche Telekom AG}}, a company partially owned by the Federal Republic of Germany,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shareholder structure |url=https://www.telekom.com/en/investor-relations/share/shareholder-structure |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251219163520/https://www.telekom.com/en/investor-relations/share/shareholder-structure |archive-date=19 Dec 2025 |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=www.telekom.com}}</ref> which owns and operates telecommunications networks in several other countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/946770/000104746906003393/a2168127z20-f.htm#bk1005_significant_subsidiaries |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916094348/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/946770/000104746906003393/a2168127z20-f.htm#bk1005_significant_subsidiaries |archive-date=16 Sep 2008 |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=SEC}}</ref> T-Mobile is the second largest wireless carrier in the United States, with 127.5 million subscribers as of September 30, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T-Mobile Delivers Industry-Leading Growth in Customers, Service Revenues, Profitability and Cash Flows in Q3, Raises 2024 Guidance Across the Board |url=https://s29.q4cdn.com/310188824/files/doc_financials/2024/q3/TMUS-Q3-2024-Earnings-Release.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241024003053/https://s29.q4cdn.com/310188824/files/doc_financials/2024/q3/TMUS-Q3-2024-Earnings-Release.pdf |archive-date=24 Oct 2024 |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=s29.q4cdn.com}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===Anti-competitive practices===
Deutsche Telekom was sued by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in 2011 for bribing government officials in Macedonia and Montenegro to prevent a telecom competitor from acquiring a license and for their support in the buyout of a state-owned telecommunications company. DT and its subsidiary Magyar Telekom agreed to pay a total $95 million settlement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Dec 2011 |title=SEC Charges Magyar Telekom and Former Executives with Bribing Officials in Macedonia and Montenegro |url=https://www.sec.gov/news/press/2011/2011-279.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104165140/https://www.sec.gov/news/press/2011/2011-279.htm |archive-date=4 Jan 2012 |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=SEC}}</ref>

===Acquisition of Sprint===
On April 1, 2020, T-Mobile US acquired [[wikipedia:Sprint_Corporation|Sprint Corporation]] for $26 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=De La Merced |first=Michael J. |last2=Kang |first2=Cecilia |date=29 Apr 2018 |title=Sprint and T-Mobile to Merge, in Bid to Remake Wireless Market |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/29/business/dealbook/sprint-tmobile-deal.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429180130/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/29/business/dealbook/sprint-tmobile-deal.html |archive-date=29 Apr 2018 |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> Prior to the formal acquisition, 14 state attorneys general filed suit to block the merger, alleging it would result in higher prices for consumers to the extent of $4.5 billion annually.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 Jun 2019 |title=U.S. judge sets pre-trial hearing next week for Sprint/T-Mobile deal |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-judge-sets-pre-trial-195044577.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613221722/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-judge-sets-pre-trial-195044577.html |archive-date=13 Jun 2019 |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=finance.yahoo.com}}</ref> The merger was allowed to proceed, with the judge stating "the merger is not likely to substantially lessen competition like the suing state AGs had claimed it would" and also that Sprint "does not have a sustainable long-term competitive strategy [to remain a viable competitor]."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wagner |first=Alex |date=11 Feb 2020 |title=Judge approves T-Mobile-Sprint merger |url=https://www.tmonews.com/2020/02/t-mobile-sprint-merger-approved-judge/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212140041/https://www.tmonews.com/2020/02/t-mobile-sprint-merger-approved-judge/ |archive-date=12 Feb 2020 |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=Tmo News}}</ref> As one of the leaders of the suit, the attorney general of California struck a settlement, gaining several substantial concessions toward protecting Californian jobs and low-cost mobile plans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wagner |first=Alex |date=11 Mar 2020 |title=California AG Xavier Becerra will not appeal judge’s T-Mobile-Sprint merger ruling |url=https://www.tmonews.com/2020/03/california-ag-xavier-becerra-not-appeal-judge-t-mobile-sprint-merger-ruling/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324185424/https://www.tmonews.com/2020/03/california-ag-xavier-becerra-not-appeal-judge-t-mobile-sprint-merger-ruling/ |archive-date=24 Mar 2020 |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=Tmo News}}</ref>

The United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division required that Sprint sell several billion dollar assets to [[wikipedia:Dish_Network|Dish Network]] prior to merging with T-Mobile.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wagner |first=Alex |date=26 Jul 2019 |title=Justice Department officially approves T-Mobile and Sprint’s merger |url=https://www.tmonews.com/2019/07/justice-department-approves-t-mobile-sprint-merger/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727074552/https://www.tmonews.com/2019/07/justice-department-approves-t-mobile-sprint-merger/ |archive-date=27 Jul 2019 |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=Tmo News}}</ref>

As of September 30, 2024, a T-Mobile filing with the SEC indicates multiple ongoing legal cases and consumer {{Wplink|class action}} cases alleging antitrust activities, chiefly as it relates to T-Mobile's acquisition of Sprint.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 Sep 2024 |title=Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1283699/000128369924000142/R22.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813110605/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1283699/000128369924000142/R22.htm |archive-date=13 Aug 2025 |access-date=30 Mar 2026 |website=SEC}}</ref>

===Data breaches===
On April 1, 2025, users of a T-Mobile tracking device and app called SyncUP were subsequent to an account leak that included the profile photo, name, and exact location of accounts (primarily children).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/t-mobile-shows-users-the-names-pictures-and-exact-locations-of-random-children/|title=T-Mobile Shows Users the Names, Pictures, and Exact Locations of Random Children|first1=Jason|last1=Koebler|first2=Emanuel|last2=Maiberg|work=404media|date=2025-04-02|access-date=2025-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402173915/https://www.404media.co/t-mobile-shows-users-the-names-pictures-and-exact-locations-of-random-children/|archive-date=2025-04-02|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly to the [[Wyze]] incident in September 2023, the location of random child accounts from different states were shown on a parent's phone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/t-mobile-bug-reveals-names-images-and-locations-of-random-children-2000584451|title=T-Mobile Bug Reveals Names, Images, and Locations of Random Children|first=Lucas|last=Ropek|work=Gizmodo|date=2025-04-03|access-date=2025-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404171959/https://gizmodo.com/t-mobile-bug-reveals-names-images-and-locations-of-random-children-2000584451|archive-date=2025-04-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Screen Recording via T-Life App===
{{Main|T-Mobile T-Life app screen recording controversy}}

Users of T-Mobile's T-Life app discovered a hidden screen recording feature enabled by default. This issue is currently limited to iPhone 16 devices.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Kellen |date=2025-05-27 |title=T-Mobile’s T-Life App has a “Screen Recording Tool” Turned on and It’s Freaking People Out (Updated) |url=https://www.droid-life.com/2025/05/27/t-mobile-t-life-screen-recording-tool-turn-off/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725131114/https://www.droid-life.com/2025/05/27/t-mobile-t-life-screen-recording-tool-turn-off/ |archive-date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-08-20 |work=Droid-Life}}</ref>

===IMEI linking on Metro by T-Mobile===
Metro by T-Mobile, an MVNO owned by T-Mobile US, offers a bring your own phone (BYOP) program. While it generally lets you use any device you wish, Metro does not notify customers that the IMEI of their device will be linked to that SIM, furthermore, if you attempt to use the SIM in a device that doesn't have the same IMEI, the network will reject it. This restriction is not present on T-Mobile Postpaid, T-Mobile Prepaid, or Mint Mobile.{{Citation needed|date=30 Mar 2026}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:T-Mobile]]

World of Warcraft

2026-05-06T02:38:46Z

Sojourna: /* Warden anti-cheat (2005) */

{{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 {{Wplink|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'')===
:''Further reading: [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Warden_(software) Warcraft Wiki: Warden (software)]'', ''{{Wplink|MDY_Industries,_LLC_v._Blizzard_Entertainment,_Inc.}}''

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>

===Real ID (''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). Originally announced as optional, it was quickly changed to obligatory, with Blizzard arguing it to be a vital step for reducing toxicity in the gaming community. Community push-back 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 |title=Blizzard scraps Real ID for its forums |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/blizzard-scraps-real-id-for-its-forums |website=EuroGamer |date=9 Jul 2010 |access-date=14 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250828164928/https://www.eurogamer.net/blizzard-scraps-real-id-for-its-forums |archive-date=28 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Major data loss (''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 |author=Felranys |title=Guild Bank items gone |url=https://eu.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-items-gone/528709/38 |website=Blizzard |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 |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 |website=Blizzard |date=9 Feb 2025 |access-date=2 Jul 2025 |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=8 Jul 2025}}</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]]
[[Category:World of Warcraft]]

World of Warcraft

2026-05-06T02:37:08Z

Sojourna: /* Consumer impact summary */

{{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 {{Wplink|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 (''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). Originally announced as optional, it was quickly changed to obligatory, with Blizzard arguing it to be a vital step for reducing toxicity in the gaming community. Community push-back 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 |title=Blizzard scraps Real ID for its forums |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/blizzard-scraps-real-id-for-its-forums |website=EuroGamer |date=9 Jul 2010 |access-date=14 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250828164928/https://www.eurogamer.net/blizzard-scraps-real-id-for-its-forums |archive-date=28 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Major data loss (''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 |author=Felranys |title=Guild Bank items gone |url=https://eu.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-items-gone/528709/38 |website=Blizzard |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 |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 |website=Blizzard |date=9 Feb 2025 |access-date=2 Jul 2025 |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=8 Jul 2025}}</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]]
[[Category:World of Warcraft]]

MakerBot

2026-05-06T02:34:04Z

Sojourna:

{{StubNotice}}
{{Cleanup|Issue 1=Citations must follow proper formatting. See [[Template:Cite web]].}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American 3D printing company
|Founded=2009
|Industry=3D printing
|Logo=MakerBot_Logo.png
|ParentCompany=Ultimaker
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://makerbot.com/
}}

'''{{wplink|MakerBot|MakerBot Industries, LLC}}''' was an American technology company specializing in the design and manufacture of 3D printing peripherals and accessories. Originally an offshoot of the {{wplink||RepRap}} project, MakerBot initially produced open-source kit printers and operated the public project repository Thingiverse, which MakerBot's founders created in 2008. In 2012, with the launch of it's Replicator 2 3D printer, MakerBot fully pivoted to closed-source consumer and enterprise machines. It was acquired by Stratasys in June 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clay |first=Kelly |title=3D Printing Company MakerBot Acquired In $604 Million Deal |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyclay/2013/06/19/3d-printing-company-makerbot-acquired-in-604-million-deal/#4f6d94091ef8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004104042/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyclay/2013/06/19/3d-printing-company-makerbot-acquired-in-604-million-deal/ |archive-date=2025-10-04 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>

MakerBot was at one point, the market leader in desktop FDM 3D printers, but its market dominance was steadily eroded by an explosion in popularity of less-expensive, open-source competitors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaleski |first=Andrew |date=2015-11-27 |title=Why MakerBot and 3D Systems are Losing the Desktop 3D Market |url=https://fortune.com/2015/11/27/why-makerbot-and-3d-systems-are-losing-the-desktop-3d-market/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027020235/https://fortune.com/2015/11/27/why-makerbot-and-3d-systems-are-losing-the-desktop-3d-market/ |archive-date=2017-10-27 |website=[[FORTUNE]]}}</ref> Its closed-source machines and business practices proved to be unpopular with the largely DIY-focused maker community. Starting in 2015, MakerBot began to focus more on the enterprise and education markets, ultimately abandoning the consumer market by 2017. It also laid off hundreds of employees during this time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearson |first=Jordan |date=2015-04-17 |title=MakerBot Just Laid Off 20 Percent of Its Staff |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/makerbot-just-laid-off-20-percent-of-its-staff/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004104042/https://www.vice.com/en/article/makerbot-just-laid-off-20-percent-of-its-staff/ |archive-date=2025-10-04 |website=[[VICE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Rachel |date=2017-02-15 |title=MakerBot Prepares for Another Round of Layoffs |url=https://fortune.com/2017/02/15/makerbot-3d-printing-layoffs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702132043/https://fortune.com/2017/02/15/makerbot-3d-printing-layoffs/ |archive-date=2017-07-02 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>

On August 31, 2022, Stratasys finalized a merger between MakerBot and its long-time market competitor Ultimaker.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-13 |title=Stratasys Completes Merger of MakerBot With Ultimaker |url=https://investors.stratasys.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/793/stratasys-completes-merger-of-makerbot-with-ultimaker |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251221201519/https://investors.stratasys.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/793/stratasys-completes-merger-of-makerbot-with-ultimaker |archive-date=2025-12-21 |website=[[Stratasys]]}}</ref> The merged company is known as Ultimaker, with the MakerBot branding only retained for its Sketch line of education-focused 3D printers.

==Consumer impact summary==

*'''User Freedom:''' MakerBot updated the Thingiverse terms of use to say that MakerBot owns everything submitted by users on Thingiverse. However, MakerBot later changed this so that users own what they submit to Thingiverse. MakerBot also stopped making open-source printers, and started making closed-source printers instead with proprietary hardware and software.
*'''Market Control:''' MakerBot has extensive competition, with other brands such as [[Bambu Lab]], [[Creality]], and Prusa Research having more market share than MakerBot. Makerbot also merged with Ultimaker, and only the Sketch line of printers is under the MakerBot brand name.

==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]].

===Ditching open-source (2012):===
MakerBot abandoned its original open-source business practices in favor of developing closed-source machines with proprietary components and software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Rich |date=2012-09-27 |title=Pulling back from open source hardware, MakerBot angers some adherents |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/pulling-back-from-open-source-hardware-makerbot-angers-some-adherents/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260124092943/https://www.cnet.com/web/20260124092943/https:/www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/pulling-back-from-open-source-hardware-makerbot-angers-some-adherents/ |archive-date=2026-01-24 |website=[[CNET]]}}</ref> The move was unpopular with consumers, and MakerBot began to lose its market share to less-expensive, open-source 3D printers over the course of the next decade.

===Change to Thingiverse terms of use (2012):===
MakerBot updated the Thingiverse [[Terms of service|terms of use]], appearing to assert ownership over anything uploaded to the site, despite users being allowed to dictate their own usage terms under Creative Commons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benchoff |first=Brian |date=2012-09-20 |title=Makerbot, Occupy Thingiverse, And The Reality Of Selling Open Hardware |url=https://hackaday.com/2012/09/20/makerbot-occupy-thingiverse-and-the-reality-of-selling-open-hardware/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008101056/https://hackaday.com/2012/09/20/makerbot-occupy-thingiverse-and-the-reality-of-selling-open-hardware/ |archive-date=2025-10-08 |website=[[Hackaday]]}}</ref> The terms of use in section 3.1 currently state that ''"You retain all your intellectual property rights in your User Content. Company does not claim ownership in any User Content."'' These terms were introduced on January 3rd, 2023. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-03 |title=Terms of Use - MakerBot |url=https://www.makerbot.com/legal/terms-of-use/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026122907/https://www.makerbot.com/legal/terms-of-use/ |archive-date=2023-10-26 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=[[MakerBot]] |at=3.1 |language=English |quote=You retain all your intellectual property rights in your User Content. Company does not claim ownership in any User Content.}}</ref>

===Accusations of IP theft (2014):===
MakerBot was accused of stealing and patenting user-uploaded designs from its public design repository, Thingiverse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molitch-Hou |first=Michael |date=2014-05-28 |title=Has MakerBot Become TakerBot? |url=http://3dprintingindustry.com/2014/05/28/makerbot-become-takerbot/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501050442/http://3dprintingindustry.com/2014/05/28/makerbot-become-takerbot/ |archive-date=2016-05-01 |website=[[3D Printing Industry]]}}</ref> MakerBot denied wrongdoing and showed its patents were filed before the contested designs were shared, but the accusation highlighted ongoing concerns with Thingiverse's terms of use.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Biggs |first=John |date=2014-05-28 |title=MakerBot Responds To Critics Who Claim It Is Stealing Community IP |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/28/makerbot-responds-to-critics-who-claim-it-is-stealing-community-ip/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111041317/https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/28/makerbot-responds-to-critics-who-claim-it-is-stealing-community-ip/ |archive-date=2025-11-11 |website=[[TechCrunch]]}}</ref>

===Sued for Smart Extruder unreliability (2015):===
Makerbot was hit with a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit, claiming the Smart Extruder for its fifth-generation printers was deliberately engineered to fail in order to boost sales for replacement components.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stultz |first=Matt |date=2015-07-14 |title=MakerBot Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Faulty Extruders |url=https://makezine.com/article/digital-fabrication/3d-printing-workshop/makerbot-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-faulty-extruders/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251210235308/https://makezine.com/article/digital-fabrication/3d-printing-workshop/makerbot-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-faulty-extruders/ |archive-date=2025-12-10 |website=[[Make:]]}}</ref> The suit was dismissed by the court, which decided that MakerBot did not mislead customers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Nick |date=2016-07-12 |title=Class action lawsuit against MakerBot dismissed |url=https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/class-action-makerbot-dismissed-85388/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004104042/https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/class-action-makerbot-dismissed-85388/ |archive-date=2025-10-04 |website=[[3D Printing Industry]]}}</ref> MakerBot would later release a more reliable, albeit more expensive Smart Extruder+.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Adi |date=2016-01-04 |title=MakerBot is replacing its most ill-fated 3D printing product |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/4/10677740/new-makerbot-smart-extruder-plus-3d-printer-ces-2016 |url-status=live |website=[[The Verge]]}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251112144433/https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/4/10677740/new-makerbot-smart-extruder-plus-3d-printer-ces-2016 Archived])</ref>

==See also==
*[[Bambu Lab]]
*[[Creality]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:MakerBot Industries]]

MakerBot

2026-05-06T02:31:09Z

Sojourna: /* Sued for Smart Extruder unreliability (2015): */

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American 3D printing company
|Founded=2009
|Industry=3D printing
|Logo=MakerBot_Logo.png
|ParentCompany=Ultimaker
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://makerbot.com/
}}
'''{{wplink|MakerBot|MakerBot Industries, LLC}}''' was an American technology company specializing in the design and manufacture of 3D printing peripherals and accessories. Originally an offshoot of the {{wplink||RepRap}} project, MakerBot initially produced open-source kit printers and operated the public project repository Thingiverse, which MakerBot's founders created in 2008. In 2012, with the launch of it's Replicator 2 3D printer, MakerBot fully pivoted to closed-source consumer and enterprise machines. It was acquired by Stratasys in June 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clay |first=Kelly |title=3D Printing Company MakerBot Acquired In $604 Million Deal |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyclay/2013/06/19/3d-printing-company-makerbot-acquired-in-604-million-deal/#4f6d94091ef8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004104042/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyclay/2013/06/19/3d-printing-company-makerbot-acquired-in-604-million-deal/ |archive-date=2025-10-04 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>

MakerBot was at one point, the market leader in desktop FDM 3D printers, but its market dominance was steadily eroded by an explosion in popularity of less-expensive, open-source competitors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaleski |first=Andrew |date=2015-11-27 |title=Why MakerBot and 3D Systems are Losing the Desktop 3D Market |url=https://fortune.com/2015/11/27/why-makerbot-and-3d-systems-are-losing-the-desktop-3d-market/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027020235/https://fortune.com/2015/11/27/why-makerbot-and-3d-systems-are-losing-the-desktop-3d-market/ |archive-date=2017-10-27 |website=[[FORTUNE]]}}</ref> Its closed-source machines and business practices proved to be unpopular with the largely DIY-focused maker community. Starting in 2015, MakerBot began to focus more on the enterprise and education markets, ultimately abandoning the consumer market by 2017. It also laid off hundreds of employees during this time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearson |first=Jordan |date=2015-04-17 |title=MakerBot Just Laid Off 20 Percent of Its Staff |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/makerbot-just-laid-off-20-percent-of-its-staff/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004104042/https://www.vice.com/en/article/makerbot-just-laid-off-20-percent-of-its-staff/ |archive-date=2025-10-04 |website=[[VICE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Rachel |date=2017-02-15 |title=MakerBot Prepares for Another Round of Layoffs |url=https://fortune.com/2017/02/15/makerbot-3d-printing-layoffs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702132043/https://fortune.com/2017/02/15/makerbot-3d-printing-layoffs/ |archive-date=2017-07-02 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>

On August 31, 2022, Stratasys finalized a merger between MakerBot and its long-time market competitor Ultimaker.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-13 |title=Stratasys Completes Merger of MakerBot With Ultimaker |url=https://investors.stratasys.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/793/stratasys-completes-merger-of-makerbot-with-ultimaker |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251221201519/https://investors.stratasys.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/793/stratasys-completes-merger-of-makerbot-with-ultimaker |archive-date=2025-12-21 |website=[[Stratasys]]}}</ref> The merged company is known as Ultimaker, with the MakerBot branding only retained for its Sketch line of education-focused 3D printers.

==Consumer-impact summary==

*'''User Freedom:''' MakerBot updated the Thingiverse terms of use to say that MakerBot owns everything submitted by users on Thingiverse. However, MakerBot later changed this so that users own what they submit to Thingiverse. MakerBot also stopped making open-source printers, and started making closed-source printers instead with proprietary hardware and software.
*'''Market Control:''' MakerBot has extensive competition, with other brands such as [[Bambu Lab]], [[Creality]], and Prusa Research having more market share than MakerBot. Makerbot also merged with Ultimaker, and only the Sketch line of printers is under the MakerBot brand name.

==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]].

===Ditching open-source (2012):===
MakerBot abandoned its original open-source business practices in favor of developing closed-source machines with proprietary components and software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Rich |date=2012-09-27 |title=Pulling back from open source hardware, MakerBot angers some adherents |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/pulling-back-from-open-source-hardware-makerbot-angers-some-adherents/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260124092943/https://www.cnet.com/web/20260124092943/https:/www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/pulling-back-from-open-source-hardware-makerbot-angers-some-adherents/ |archive-date=2026-01-24 |website=[[CNET]]}}</ref> The move was unpopular with consumers, and MakerBot began to lose its market share to less-expensive, open-source 3D printers over the course of the next decade.

===Change to Thingiverse terms of use (2012):===
MakerBot updated the Thingiverse [[Terms of service|terms of use]], appearing to assert ownership over anything uploaded to the site, despite users being allowed to dictate their own usage terms under Creative Commons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benchoff |first=Brian |date=2012-09-20 |title=Makerbot, Occupy Thingiverse, And The Reality Of Selling Open Hardware |url=https://hackaday.com/2012/09/20/makerbot-occupy-thingiverse-and-the-reality-of-selling-open-hardware/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008101056/https://hackaday.com/2012/09/20/makerbot-occupy-thingiverse-and-the-reality-of-selling-open-hardware/ |archive-date=2025-10-08 |website=[[Hackaday]]}}</ref> The terms of use in section 3.1 currently state that ''"You retain all your intellectual property rights in your User Content. Company does not claim ownership in any User Content."'' These terms were introduced on January 3rd, 2023. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-03 |title=Terms of Use - MakerBot |url=https://www.makerbot.com/legal/terms-of-use/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026122907/https://www.makerbot.com/legal/terms-of-use/ |archive-date=2023-10-26 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=[[MakerBot]] |at=3.1 |language=English |quote=You retain all your intellectual property rights in your User Content. Company does not claim ownership in any User Content.}}</ref>

===Accusations of IP theft (2014):===
MakerBot was accused of stealing and patenting user-uploaded designs from its public design repository, Thingiverse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molitch-Hou |first=Michael |date=2014-05-28 |title=Has MakerBot Become TakerBot? |url=http://3dprintingindustry.com/2014/05/28/makerbot-become-takerbot/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501050442/http://3dprintingindustry.com/2014/05/28/makerbot-become-takerbot/ |archive-date=2016-05-01 |website=[[3D Printing Industry]]}}</ref> MakerBot denied wrongdoing and showed its patents were filed before the contested designs were shared, but the accusation highlighted ongoing concerns with Thingiverse's terms of use.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Biggs |first=John |date=2014-05-28 |title=MakerBot Responds To Critics Who Claim It Is Stealing Community IP |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/28/makerbot-responds-to-critics-who-claim-it-is-stealing-community-ip/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111041317/https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/28/makerbot-responds-to-critics-who-claim-it-is-stealing-community-ip/ |archive-date=2025-11-11 |website=[[TechCrunch]]}}</ref>

===Sued for Smart Extruder unreliability (2015):===
Makerbot was hit with a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit, claiming the Smart Extruder for its fifth-generation printers was deliberately engineered to fail in order to boost sales for replacement components.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stultz |first=Matt |date=2015-07-14 |title=MakerBot Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Faulty Extruders |url=https://makezine.com/article/digital-fabrication/3d-printing-workshop/makerbot-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-faulty-extruders/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251210235308/https://makezine.com/article/digital-fabrication/3d-printing-workshop/makerbot-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-faulty-extruders/ |archive-date=2025-12-10 |website=[[Make:]]}}</ref> The suit was dismissed by the court, which decided that MakerBot did not mislead customers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Nick |date=2016-07-12 |title=Class action lawsuit against MakerBot dismissed |url=https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/class-action-makerbot-dismissed-85388/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004104042/https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/class-action-makerbot-dismissed-85388/ |archive-date=2025-10-04 |website=[[3D Printing Industry]]}}</ref> MakerBot would later release a more reliable, albeit more expensive Smart Extruder+.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Adi |date=2016-01-04 |title=MakerBot is replacing its most ill-fated 3D printing product |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/4/10677740/new-makerbot-smart-extruder-plus-3d-printer-ces-2016 |url-status=live |website=[[The Verge]]}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251112144433/https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/4/10677740/new-makerbot-smart-extruder-plus-3d-printer-ces-2016 Archived])</ref>

==See also==

*[[Bambu Lab]]
*[[Creality]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:MakerBot Industries]]

Spotify Car Thing

2026-05-06T02:30:19Z

Sojourna: /* Class-action lawsuit against Spotify (May 2024) */

{{StubNotice}}
{{ProductCargo
|Company=Spotify
|ReleaseYear=2022
|InProduction=No
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Media player
|Logo=Spotify car thing promotional image.png
|Website=https://carthing.spotify.com,https://support.spotify.com/us/article/car-thing-discontinued
|Description=A physical application extension of the Spotify mobile app for older cars. In 2024, Spotify discontinued support, which rendered all devices unusable.
}}

The '''Spotify Car Thing''' was a physical device that allowed extended control of the [[Spotify]] app. When connected to a device running the Spotify app, the Car Thing accesses an {{Wplink|API}} for communication with the app, interacting with the Car Thing attempts to make API calls for interaction. Production of the Car Thing stopped July 2022. The product ceased functioning on 9 December 2024, when the Car Thing API was shutdown and thus preventing the device from interacting with the Spotify app.

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''Revocation of control:''' The [[discontinuation bricking]] of the device ultimately took away user control for thousands of people. Control was only regained after [[Security|security vulnerabilities]] in the device were exploited.
*'''Always online:''' The Car Thing's dependence on the Spotify app required that a phone authorized with the Spotify app always be present and connected to the Car Thing. The Car Thing's lack of offline support [[Forced app download|forced]] the user to use an app possibly unnecessarily.
*'''Retroactive resale falsification:''' The discontinuation bricking incident has created some potential risk for reseller [[false advertising]].
*'''Data collection:''' Spotify openly admitted that the Car Thing had been developed to collect data on "how people listen to music and podcasts".<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=5 Things to Know about Spotify’s Latest Test |url=https://newsroom.spotify.com/2019-05-17/5-things-to-know-about-spotifys-latest-test/ |website=[[Spotify]] |date=17 May 2019 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129004743/https://newsroom.spotify.com/2019-05-17/5-things-to-know-about-spotifys-latest-test/ |archive-date=29 Jan 2025}}</ref> How the data collected through the SCT is useful for this purpose is unclear, in addition it is also unclear what the data is.
*'''Security concerns:''' The root access exploit, while beneficial to user freedom in allowing them to {{Wplink|Privilege escalation#Jailbreaking|jailbreak}} their device, also raises some concerns for future buyers of jailbroken Car Things — a malicious seller could upload malware onto the device — resold SCTs may be a potential security risk.

==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]].

===Production ended (''July 2022'')===
On 27 July 2022, Spotify ended production of the Car Thing but did not share the news until 3 August.<ref name="timeline">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Ashley |title=Spotify’s Sordid Car Thing History—Here’s a Timeline of the Disastrous Hardware Release |url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2024/06/02/how-long-did-spotify-car-thing-last-timeline/ |website=Digital Music News |date=2 Jun 2024 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603042155/https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2024/06/02/how-long-did-spotify-car-thing-last-timeline/ |archive-date=3 Jun 2024}}</ref> The company cited poor sales.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Ashley |title=Spotify’s Car Thing History—A Quick Peek at the Timeline |url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2022/08/03/what-happened-to-spotify-car-thing/ |website=Digital Music News |date=2 June 2024 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806021216/https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2022/08/03/what-happened-to-spotify-car-thing/ |archive-date=6 Aug 2022}}</ref> Following the end of production, the company reduced the price from $89.99 to $29.99 on 20 August 2022 in order to clear out their stock. The Spotify Car Thing would eventually become sold out, exposing even more customers to its discontinuation.<ref name="timeline" />

===Root access cracked by security researchers (''October 2022'')===
On 20 October 2022, security researchers cracked the root access through local means.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Nolen |title=Spotify Car Thing - Root and Custom OS toolkit |url=https://oddsolutions.github.io/Spotify-Car-Thing-Root/ |website=ODS Security Research |date= |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523195007/https://oddsolutions.github.io/Spotify-Car-Thing-Root/ |archive-date=23 May 2024}}</ref> While this can be seen as a large issue for the product's security, it was not significant to customer security, instead giving customers the ability to repurpose the device by uploading their own software. There is a risk that resold jailbroken Car Things could contain malware but this is an unlikely target. Spotify's response to the exploit was "that the product is unsupported, and end-of-life, and therefore no bugs would be accepted pertaining to the product",<ref name="timeline" /> which would mark the first time Spotify officially announced the discontinuation.

===Complete discontinuation announced (''May 2024'')===
Spotify officially announced the Car Thing's discontinuation on their website on 23 May 2024, warning users that it would cease functioning entirely after 9 December 2024 (effectively bricking the device).<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Car Thing discontinued |url=https://support.spotify.com/us/article/car-thing-discontinued/ |website=[[Spotify]] |date= |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128235625/https://support.spotify.com/us/article/car-thing-discontinued/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref name="timeline" /> The resulting customer backlash led to Spotify instituting a refund process specifically for owners of the product.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallaga |first=Omar |title=Here's How to Get a Refund if You Bought Spotify's Failed Car Thing Device |url=https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/heres-how-to-get-a-refund-if-you-bought-spotifys-failed-car-thing-device/ |website=CNet |date=31 May 2024 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0313-1105-07/https://www.cnet.com:443/roadshow/news/heres-how-to-get-a-refund-if-you-bought-spotifys-failed-car-thing-device/ |archive-date=13 Mar 2026}}</ref>

===Class action lawsuit against Spotify (''May 2024'')===
Spotify was served a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on 28 May 2024. The lawsuit claimed "Spotify misled consumers by selling them a soon-to-be obsolete product and then not offering refunds, reports Billboard".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |title=Spotify Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over ‘Car Thing’ Deactivation: ‘A Useless Product’ |url=https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/30/spotify-begins-offering-car-thing-refunds-as-it-faces-lawsuit-over-bricking-the-streaming-device/ |website=TechCrunch |date=30 May 2024 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129011219/https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/30/spotify-begins-offering-car-thing-refunds-as-it-faces-lawsuit-over-bricking-the-streaming-device/ |archive-date=29 Jan 2025}}</ref> Prior to the lawsuit's filing, Spotify had set up a refund page for buyers through e-mail which directs customers to [https://support.spotify.com/us/contact-spotify-support/ this link], where customers can receive a refund with proof of purchase (excluding resales). The lawsuit was dismissed by the plaintiffs after Spotify began issuing refunds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Dylan |title=‘Car Thing’ Class Action Lawsuit Voluntarily Dismissed After Spotify Begins Issuing Refunds |url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2024/07/10/spotify-car-thing-lawsuit-dismissed/ |website=Digital Music News |date=10 Jul 2024 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721014704/https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2024/07/10/spotify-car-thing-lawsuit-dismissed/ |archive-date=21 Jul 2024}}</ref>

==See also==

* '''Pencil by FiftyThree''' (2013–2019) was a Bluetooth active stylus sold by FiftyThree, Inc., designed to work with their Paper drawing app for iPad. Its key features — palm rejection, eraser, and Blend — relied entirely on Bluetooth integration with the Paper app via a proprietary SDK. FiftyThree discontinued its hardware business in 2016, and was acquired by [[WeTransfer]] in August 2018. In 2019, WeTransfer discontinued support for the Pencil in the Paper app, reducing the device to a basic passive stylus. The device's active features were never recoverable through third-party means. This is an early example of active hardware rendered functionally downgraded by a software decision made after purchase, without recourse for the consumer.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Spotify]]
[[Category:Products]]

PayPal Honey

2026-05-06T02:28:32Z

Sojourna: /* Content-creator lawsuits (December 2024) */

{{ProductCargo
|Company=PayPal
|ReleaseYear=2012
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Service
|Category=Browser extension
|Logo=PayPal_Honey.svg
|Website=https://www.joinhoney.com
|Description=In 2024, the browser extension Honey was reported to have misled consumers and discreetly stolen commissions from its affiliates.
}}

'''Honey''' (now '''PayPal Honey''') is a browser extension and platform owned by [[PayPal]] since its acquisition for $4 billion in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |title=PayPal to acquire shopping and rewards platform Honey for $4B |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/20/paypal-to-acquire-shopping-and-rewards-platform-honey-for-4-billion/ |website=TechCrunch
|date=20 Nov 2019 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120233514/https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/20/paypal-to-acquire-shopping-and-rewards-platform-honey-for-4-billion/ |archive-date=20 Nov 2019}}</ref> The service, launched in 2012, is primarily known for its browser extension that automatically searches for and applies discount codes during online shopping checkout processes. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metcalf |first=Tom |last2=Verhage |first2=Julie |title=Coupon Duo Now Worth $1.5 Billion After Honey's Sale to PayPal |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-28/coupon-duo-now-worth-1-5-billion-after-honey-s-sale-to-paypal |website=Bloomberg |date=28 Jan 2020 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250911135014/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-28/coupon-duo-now-worth-1-5-billion-after-honey-s-sale-to-paypal |archive-date=11 Sep 2025}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
===Privacy===
*Collects extensive personal identifiers including name, email, IP address, and device IDs.<ref name="privacy-policy">{{Cite web |title=PayPal Honey Privacy Statement |url=https://www.joinhoney.com/privacy |website=PayPal Honey |date=1 Oct 2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251112165419/https://www.joinhoney.com/privacy/us |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*Retains data for up to 10 years after account closure.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Shares data with PayPal companies and merchant partners.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Tracks detailed shopping behavior, including purchases, returns, and browsing patterns.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Creates inference profiles based on shopping patterns and preferences.<ref name="privacy-policy" />

===Freedom===
*Consumer choice restricted by intentionally hidden discounts and deals.<ref name="megalag-video">{{Cite web |author=MegaLag |title=Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4yL3YTwWk |website=[[YouTube]] |date=21 Dec 2024 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref><ref name="techopedia-article">{{Cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Ray |title=Is PayPal's Honey Misleading Users? We Investigate |url=https://www.techopedia.com/paypal-honey-accused-of-fraud |website=Techopedia |date=24 Dec 2024 |access-date=15 Jan 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.is/jC5Q7 |archive-date=25 Dec 2024}}</ref>
*[[Forced arbitration|Mandatory acceptance of arbitration]] clause with class action waiver.<ref name="terms-of-use">{{Cite web |title=Terms of Use |url=https://www.joinhoney.com/terms |website=PayPal Honey |date=16 Jan 2024 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102062218/https://www.joinhoney.com/terms |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*No user control over partner-privileged discount system.<ref name="megalag-video" /><ref name="techopedia-article" />
*Service can be terminated at PayPal's discretion without notice.<ref name="terms-of-use" />
*Users forced to accept terms modifications without direct notification.<ref name="terms-of-use" />

===Transparency===
*Undisclosed manipulation of affiliate marketing links.<ref name="megalag-video" /><ref name="techopedia-article" />
*Hidden redirect mechanisms affecting commissions.<ref name="megalag-video" /><ref name="techopedia-article" />
*Selective display of coupon codes based on undisclosed partner agreements.<ref name="megalag-video" /><ref name="techopedia-article" />
*Subject to multiple ongoing class-action lawsuits regarding alleged deceptive practices.<ref name="wendover-v-paypal">{{Cite web |last=Kristensen |first=John P. |last2=Ellzey |first2=Jarrett L. |last3=Sanford |first3=Josh |last4=Montgomery |first4=Leigh |last5=Kherkher |first5=Tommy |last6=Stone |first6=Devin J. |display-authors=2 |title=Wendover Productions, LLC v. PayPal Inc, 5:24-cv-09470, (N.D. Cal.) |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69503243/9/wendover-productions-llc-v-paypal-inc/ |website=Court Listener |date=2 Jan 2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260103000608/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69503243/9/wendover-productions-llc-v-paypal-inc/ |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings">{{Cite web |last=Loeser |first=Thomas E. |title=GamersNexus, LLC v. PayPal Holdings, Inc., 5:25-cv-00114, (N.D. Cal.) |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69517397/gamersnexus-llc-v-paypal-holdings-inc/ |website=Court Listener |date=2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214112705/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69517397/gamersnexus-llc-v-paypal-holdings-inc/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>

===Business model===
===Market control===

==Incidents==
===Affiliate-tampering controversy (''December 2024'')===
====Investigation by YouTuber MegaLag (''December 2024)''====
On 21 December 2024, the tech-related YouTube channel MegaLag posted a video titled "Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam," in which was alleged that Honey was engaging in systematic manipulation of affiliate marketing links through a process known as "{{Wplink|cookie stuffing}}." Through this type of affiliate poaching, Honey was alleged to have removed the original content creator's affiliate cookie, which tracked that the content creator was responsible for the sale so they could receive a later commission, and instead injected Honey's own affiliate cookie without the user's knowledge. Through this process, Honey effectively claimed the commission for the sale that would have gone to the content creator who originally guided the user to the product. Honey did this even when it explicitly offered no discount or coupon codes to the purchaser.

In short, the investigation found that when users clicked on a content creator's affiliate link and subsequently activated Honey during checkout, Honey would:

*Delete the original affiliate's tracking cookie
*Replace it with Honey's own affiliate cookie via a hidden redirect tab that closed within a few seconds
*Claim the commission that was intended for the original content creator

The video presented several scenarios in which this affiliate poaching would occur, even when Honey offered no discounts or coupons to the user, namely:

*Upon the user clicking "Activate Rewards" when presented with a Honey pop-up indicating to do so.
*Upon the user clicking "Got It" to acknowledge and discard a Honey pop-up stating, "We searched for you but didn't find any deals."
*Upon clicking "PayPal" when presented with a Honey pop-up recommending the user check out via PayPal, which owns Honey, even when the option was already present on the native website and would have preserved the original content creator's affiliate cookie and commission if the user had done so through that website and not Honey's pop-up.

=====Affiliate test=====
Part of the investigative piece included a section in which MegaLag tested what would happen to his own commission when purchasing a product with Honey and without Honey. He signed up for an affiliate program through a popular VPN provider and then made two distinct purchases. One purchase was made using the Honey browser extension, and the other without using the extension. He made each purchase using a VPN server in different countries (one in the U.S.A. and one in the Netherlands), and used "separate, new browser sessions with cookies cleared."<ref name="megalag-video" /> He also signed up for Honey's rewards program to test how much of the commission would be shared with a consumer.

MegaLag found that when purchased without the use of Honey, he received a $36.50 commission for the sale as expected. However, when purchasing the product with the use of Honey, he received no commission and the commission was instead redirected to Honey. MegaLag also demonstrated that of the $35.60 commission poached by Honey, only $0.89 was shared with the purchaser via the rewards program.

====Misleading consumers====
Additionally, contrary to marketing claims about finding "the best deals," Honey was found to have agreements with partner stores allowing them to control which coupon codes appeared through the extension. This meant stores could hide better discounts while only showing Honey users lower-value coupons. The practice directly contradicted years of marketing claims that promised users they would "always get the best deal possible."<ref name="megalag-video" />

Simon Wijckmans, CEO of c/side, noted that "When users purchased via an affiliate link with Honey installed, commissions intended for creators were redirected to Honey. Additionally, Honey misrepresented deals as the best discounts while partnering with companies to hide better offers."<ref name="techopedia-article" />

===Content-creator lawsuits (''December 2024'')===
In December 2024, a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit was filed against PayPal by Wendover Productions, LLC alleging that Honey manipulated affiliate marketing links without proper disclosure or compensation. The suits claim Honey replaced legitimate affiliate links with their own, even when no coupons were found for users. This practice allegedly impacted both content creators and consumers who intended to support specific affiliates.<ref name="wendover-v-paypal" />

Gamers Nexus, LLC later filed a class action lawsuit against PayPal in January 2025 citing the same grievances.<ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings" /> They later announced in a video upload on 15 June 2025 that they were withdrawing, with prejudice, as a plaintiff.<ref>{{Cite web |author=GNCA - GamersNexus Consumer Advocacy |title=$120 Billion Bank Subpoenas GamersNexus | PayPal Honey Lawsuit Update, ft. Capital One |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idIWS-mHKQk |website=[[YouTube]] |date=15 Jun 2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=idIWS-mHKQk |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Significant changes to the Terms of Service (''October 2024—December 2024'')===
Several parts of the Terms of service were updated and added, such as

*Change of the Governing Law from England and Wales to California in the United States
*Addition of an Arbitration.
*A number of small changes between the lines

Also noteworthy is that on 8 January 2025, older versions of the TOS were available on archive.org. However, as of 28 January 2025, the archive shows a "Failed to Fetch" error.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archived versions of joinhoney.com on archive.org |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220000000000*/https://www.joinhoney.com/terms |website=Internet Archive |date= |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref>


To prevent loss of those details:
*copy of Paypal Honey Terms of Services from December 2024
*copy of Paypal Honey Terms of Services from January 2025

''on a more funny note, the current live version of the TOS<ref name="terms-of-use" /> (checked on 5 February 2025) shows "Last updated January 16, 2024"''

===Alleged partnership coercion to protect private discount codes (''December 2025'')===
Further investigations released by Megalag in December 2025 allege that Honey promotes discount codes for businesses that have not consented to partner with them, including scraping and publicizing discount codes meant for private employee use and not intended for public use. The promotion of these codes has been reported to have negatively affected the financial standing several smaller businesses.

When asked by such businesses to remove these private discount codes, Honey is alleged to have told those businesses that they are unable to remove the codes unless the business agrees to partner with them, essentially paying a fee to be protected from a service they do not want to partner with. Honey is also reported to have attempted to deceive such businesses about the company's capacity to remove such discount codes, with one agent claiming to one business that Honey was unable to remove a private employee coupon code from public distribution unless the business partnered with Honey, just one month after the same agent agreed to remove the private code of another business upon request. Honey eventually agreed to remove the code, however the business claims that the problem has occurred repeatedly.<ref>{{Cite web |author=MegaLag |title=Exposing Honey's Evil Business Model (PART 2) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwB3FmbcC88
|website=[[YouTube]] |date=21 Dec 2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=wwB3FmbcC88 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Alleged violations of affiliate network policies (''December 2025'')===
In a separate video uploaded on 30 December 2025, MegaLag further alleged that Honey was violating affiliate network policies. An example he cited is where a typical contract clause may state "you are only allowed to use coupons or promotional codes that are provided exclusively through the affiliate program," but Honey would ignore the clause unless and until it was enforced. For instance, in the "Note Monetization" column for the application's data spreadsheet, an employee left a note stating that the {{Wplink|Lindt}} chocolatier company had "non-affiliate clause, but don't have any codes from network so can't remove other coupon sources".<ref>{{Cite web |author=MegaLag |title=The Honey Scam is Worse Than I Thought |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCGT_CKGgFE |website=[[YouTube]] |date=30 Dec 2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qCGT_CKGgFE |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Removal from Rakuten Advertising (''January 2026'')===
On 12 January 2026, MegaLag shared in a community post that an e-mail had been sent out to clients of {{Wplink|Rakuten Advertising}}, a major affiliate marketing service provider. In the screenshot purportedly provided by a [[LinkedIn]] user, the company stated that "Honey has been terminated from the Rakuten Advertising network, therefore this publisher has been removed from your affiliate program, effective immediately" and that the removal "was not taken lightly." MegaLag also noted that Honey's Rakuten links were no longer active. No specific reason was given by Rakuten, however the timing of it came just barely two weeks after MegaLag brought to light allegations of Honey's willful policy violations.<ref>{{Cite web |author=MegaLag |title=Post from MegaLag |url=https://www.youtube.com/post/Ugkx0hki-DoskqGU3_MzN3sS2eF4ObXWdX-d |website=[[YouTube]] |date=12 Jan 2026 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:PayPal]]

PayPal Honey

2026-05-06T02:21:43Z

Sojourna: /* Significant changes to the Terms of Service (October 2024 - December 2024) */

{{ProductCargo
|Company=PayPal
|ReleaseYear=2012
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Service
|Category=Browser extension
|Logo=PayPal_Honey.svg
|Website=https://www.joinhoney.com
|Description=In 2024, the browser extension Honey was reported to have misled consumers and discreetly stolen commissions from its affiliates.
}}

'''Honey''' (now '''PayPal Honey''') is a browser extension and platform owned by [[PayPal]] since its acquisition for $4 billion in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |title=PayPal to acquire shopping and rewards platform Honey for $4B |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/20/paypal-to-acquire-shopping-and-rewards-platform-honey-for-4-billion/ |website=TechCrunch
|date=20 Nov 2019 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120233514/https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/20/paypal-to-acquire-shopping-and-rewards-platform-honey-for-4-billion/ |archive-date=20 Nov 2019}}</ref> The service, launched in 2012, is primarily known for its browser extension that automatically searches for and applies discount codes during online shopping checkout processes. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metcalf |first=Tom |last2=Verhage |first2=Julie |title=Coupon Duo Now Worth $1.5 Billion After Honey's Sale to PayPal |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-28/coupon-duo-now-worth-1-5-billion-after-honey-s-sale-to-paypal |website=Bloomberg |date=28 Jan 2020 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250911135014/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-28/coupon-duo-now-worth-1-5-billion-after-honey-s-sale-to-paypal |archive-date=11 Sep 2025}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
===Privacy===
*Collects extensive personal identifiers including name, email, IP address, and device IDs.<ref name="privacy-policy">{{Cite web |title=PayPal Honey Privacy Statement |url=https://www.joinhoney.com/privacy |website=PayPal Honey |date=1 Oct 2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251112165419/https://www.joinhoney.com/privacy/us |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*Retains data for up to 10 years after account closure.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Shares data with PayPal companies and merchant partners.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Tracks detailed shopping behavior, including purchases, returns, and browsing patterns.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Creates inference profiles based on shopping patterns and preferences.<ref name="privacy-policy" />

===Freedom===
*Consumer choice restricted by intentionally hidden discounts and deals.<ref name="megalag-video">{{Cite web |author=MegaLag |title=Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4yL3YTwWk |website=[[YouTube]] |date=21 Dec 2024 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref><ref name="techopedia-article">{{Cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Ray |title=Is PayPal's Honey Misleading Users? We Investigate |url=https://www.techopedia.com/paypal-honey-accused-of-fraud |website=Techopedia |date=24 Dec 2024 |access-date=15 Jan 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.is/jC5Q7 |archive-date=25 Dec 2024}}</ref>
*[[Forced arbitration|Mandatory acceptance of arbitration]] clause with class action waiver.<ref name="terms-of-use">{{Cite web |title=Terms of Use |url=https://www.joinhoney.com/terms |website=PayPal Honey |date=16 Jan 2024 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102062218/https://www.joinhoney.com/terms |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*No user control over partner-privileged discount system.<ref name="megalag-video" /><ref name="techopedia-article" />
*Service can be terminated at PayPal's discretion without notice.<ref name="terms-of-use" />
*Users forced to accept terms modifications without direct notification.<ref name="terms-of-use" />

===Transparency===
*Undisclosed manipulation of affiliate marketing links.<ref name="megalag-video" /><ref name="techopedia-article" />
*Hidden redirect mechanisms affecting commissions.<ref name="megalag-video" /><ref name="techopedia-article" />
*Selective display of coupon codes based on undisclosed partner agreements.<ref name="megalag-video" /><ref name="techopedia-article" />
*Subject to multiple ongoing class-action lawsuits regarding alleged deceptive practices.<ref name="wendover-v-paypal">{{Cite web |last=Kristensen |first=John P. |last2=Ellzey |first2=Jarrett L. |last3=Sanford |first3=Josh |last4=Montgomery |first4=Leigh |last5=Kherkher |first5=Tommy |last6=Stone |first6=Devin J. |display-authors=2 |title=Wendover Productions, LLC v. PayPal Inc, 5:24-cv-09470, (N.D. Cal.) |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69503243/9/wendover-productions-llc-v-paypal-inc/ |website=Court Listener |date=2 Jan 2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260103000608/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69503243/9/wendover-productions-llc-v-paypal-inc/ |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings">{{Cite web |last=Loeser |first=Thomas E. |title=GamersNexus, LLC v. PayPal Holdings, Inc., 5:25-cv-00114, (N.D. Cal.) |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69517397/gamersnexus-llc-v-paypal-holdings-inc/ |website=Court Listener |date=2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214112705/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69517397/gamersnexus-llc-v-paypal-holdings-inc/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>

===Business model===
===Market control===

==Incidents==
===Affiliate-tampering controversy (''December 2024'')===
====Investigation by YouTuber MegaLag (''December 2024)''====
On 21 December 2024, the tech-related YouTube channel MegaLag posted a video titled "Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam," in which was alleged that Honey was engaging in systematic manipulation of affiliate marketing links through a process known as "{{Wplink|cookie stuffing}}." Through this type of affiliate poaching, Honey was alleged to have removed the original content creator's affiliate cookie, which tracked that the content creator was responsible for the sale so they could receive a later commission, and instead injected Honey's own affiliate cookie without the user's knowledge. Through this process, Honey effectively claimed the commission for the sale that would have gone to the content creator who originally guided the user to the product. Honey did this even when it explicitly offered no discount or coupon codes to the purchaser.

In short, the investigation found that when users clicked on a content creator's affiliate link and subsequently activated Honey during checkout, Honey would:

*Delete the original affiliate's tracking cookie
*Replace it with Honey's own affiliate cookie via a hidden redirect tab that closed within a few seconds
*Claim the commission that was intended for the original content creator

The video presented several scenarios in which this affiliate poaching would occur, even when Honey offered no discounts or coupons to the user, namely:

*Upon the user clicking "Activate Rewards" when presented with a Honey pop-up indicating to do so.
*Upon the user clicking "Got It" to acknowledge and discard a Honey pop-up stating, "We searched for you but didn't find any deals."
*Upon clicking "PayPal" when presented with a Honey pop-up recommending the user check out via PayPal, which owns Honey, even when the option was already present on the native website and would have preserved the original content creator's affiliate cookie and commission if the user had done so through that website and not Honey's pop-up.

=====Affiliate test=====
Part of the investigative piece included a section in which MegaLag tested what would happen to his own commission when purchasing a product with Honey and without Honey. He signed up for an affiliate program through a popular VPN provider and then made two distinct purchases. One purchase was made using the Honey browser extension, and the other without using the extension. He made each purchase using a VPN server in different countries (one in the U.S.A. and one in the Netherlands), and used "separate, new browser sessions with cookies cleared."<ref name="megalag-video" /> He also signed up for Honey's rewards program to test how much of the commission would be shared with a consumer.

MegaLag found that when purchased without the use of Honey, he received a $36.50 commission for the sale as expected. However, when purchasing the product with the use of Honey, he received no commission and the commission was instead redirected to Honey. MegaLag also demonstrated that of the $35.60 commission poached by Honey, only $0.89 was shared with the purchaser via the rewards program.

====Misleading consumers====
Additionally, contrary to marketing claims about finding "the best deals," Honey was found to have agreements with partner stores allowing them to control which coupon codes appeared through the extension. This meant stores could hide better discounts while only showing Honey users lower-value coupons. The practice directly contradicted years of marketing claims that promised users they would "always get the best deal possible."<ref name="megalag-video" />

Simon Wijckmans, CEO of c/side, noted that "When users purchased via an affiliate link with Honey installed, commissions intended for creators were redirected to Honey. Additionally, Honey misrepresented deals as the best discounts while partnering with companies to hide better offers."<ref name="techopedia-article" />

===Content-creator lawsuits (''December 2024'')===
In December 2024, a [[class-action lawsuit]] was filed against PayPal by Wendover Productions, LLC alleging that Honey manipulated affiliate marketing links without proper disclosure or compensation. The suits claim Honey replaced legitimate affiliate links with their own, even when no coupons were found for users. This practice allegedly impacted both content creators and consumers who intended to support specific affiliates.<ref name="wendover-v-paypal" />

Gamers Nexus, LLC later filed a class-action lawsuit against PayPal in January 2025 citing the same grievances.<ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings" /> They later announced in a video upload on 15 June 2025 that they were withdrawing, with prejudice, as a plaintiff.<ref>{{Cite web |author=GNCA - GamersNexus Consumer Advocacy |title=$120 Billion Bank Subpoenas GamersNexus | PayPal Honey Lawsuit Update, ft. Capital One |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idIWS-mHKQk |website=[[YouTube]] |date=15 Jun 2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=idIWS-mHKQk |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Significant changes to the Terms of Service (''October 2024—December 2024'')===
Several parts of the Terms of service were updated and added, such as

*Change of the Governing Law from England and Wales to California in the United States
*Addition of an Arbitration.
*A number of small changes between the lines

Also noteworthy is that on 8 January 2025, older versions of the TOS were available on archive.org. However, as of 28 January 2025, the archive shows a "Failed to Fetch" error.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archived versions of joinhoney.com on archive.org |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220000000000*/https://www.joinhoney.com/terms |website=Internet Archive |date= |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref>


To prevent loss of those details:
*copy of Paypal Honey Terms of Services from December 2024
*copy of Paypal Honey Terms of Services from January 2025

''on a more funny note, the current live version of the TOS<ref name="terms-of-use" /> (checked on 5 February 2025) shows "Last updated January 16, 2024"''

===Alleged partnership coercion to protect private discount codes (''December 2025'')===
Further investigations released by Megalag in December 2025 allege that Honey promotes discount codes for businesses that have not consented to partner with them, including scraping and publicizing discount codes meant for private employee use and not intended for public use. The promotion of these codes has been reported to have negatively affected the financial standing several smaller businesses.

When asked by such businesses to remove these private discount codes, Honey is alleged to have told those businesses that they are unable to remove the codes unless the business agrees to partner with them, essentially paying a fee to be protected from a service they do not want to partner with. Honey is also reported to have attempted to deceive such businesses about the company's capacity to remove such discount codes, with one agent claiming to one business that Honey was unable to remove a private employee coupon code from public distribution unless the business partnered with Honey, just one month after the same agent agreed to remove the private code of another business upon request. Honey eventually agreed to remove the code, however the business claims that the problem has occurred repeatedly.<ref>{{Cite web |author=MegaLag |title=Exposing Honey's Evil Business Model (PART 2) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwB3FmbcC88
|website=[[YouTube]] |date=21 Dec 2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=wwB3FmbcC88 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Alleged violations of affiliate network policies (''December 2025'')===
In a separate video uploaded on 30 December 2025, MegaLag further alleged that Honey was violating affiliate network policies. An example he cited is where a typical contract clause may state "you are only allowed to use coupons or promotional codes that are provided exclusively through the affiliate program," but Honey would ignore the clause unless and until it was enforced. For instance, in the "Note Monetization" column for the application's data spreadsheet, an employee left a note stating that the {{Wplink|Lindt}} chocolatier company had "non-affiliate clause, but don't have any codes from network so can't remove other coupon sources".<ref>{{Cite web |author=MegaLag |title=The Honey Scam is Worse Than I Thought |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCGT_CKGgFE |website=[[YouTube]] |date=30 Dec 2025 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qCGT_CKGgFE |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Removal from Rakuten Advertising (''January 2026'')===
On 12 January 2026, MegaLag shared in a community post that an e-mail had been sent out to clients of {{Wplink|Rakuten Advertising}}, a major affiliate marketing service provider. In the screenshot purportedly provided by a [[LinkedIn]] user, the company stated that "Honey has been terminated from the Rakuten Advertising network, therefore this publisher has been removed from your affiliate program, effective immediately" and that the removal "was not taken lightly." MegaLag also noted that Honey's Rakuten links were no longer active. No specific reason was given by Rakuten, however the timing of it came just barely two weeks after MegaLag brought to light allegations of Honey's willful policy violations.<ref>{{Cite web |author=MegaLag |title=Post from MegaLag |url=https://www.youtube.com/post/Ugkx0hki-DoskqGU3_MzN3sS2eF4ObXWdX-d |website=[[YouTube]] |date=12 Jan 2026 |access-date=13 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:PayPal]]

Subaru Starlink

2026-05-06T02:21:01Z

Sojourna: Added clean-up tag.

{{Cleanup|Issue 1=Citations should be placed after punctuation.|Issue 2=Article needs to follow the format as provided in [[Template:ProductLinePreload]].}}
''For the satellite {{wplink|internet service provider}}, see [[Starlink]].''
{{ProductLineCargo
|ArticleType=Service
|Category=Software
|Company=Subaru
|Description=
|InProduction=Yes
|Logo=Subaru-starlink.png
|ReleaseYear=2013
|Website=https://subaru.com/
}}
Starlink is a connectivity service equipped on most modern [[Subaru]] vehicles, enabling extensive data collection from the vehicle and its occupants. The service has faced significant criticism and legal challenges over privacy concerns related to its data-collection and -sharing practices.<ref name="MozillaReview" />

==Incidents==

===Obstructive advertising===
Since at least 23-05-25<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Just die already SiriusXM |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/13rl630/just_die_already_siriusxm/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222225614/https://old.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/13rl630/just_die_already_siriusxm/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-11-27 |website=Reddit}}</ref>, Subaru Starlink will sometimes display whole-screen advertisements for [[SiriusXM]] in vehicles with SiriusXM functionality<ref name=":0" />. Advertisements will display regardless of whether the customer purchased a SiriusXM subscription, and cannot be bypassed without explicitly pressing the close button. Normal system usage, such as GPS, media settings, or driving settings cannot be done until the advertisements are closed.

Users are only able to opt-out of this advertising if they have a SiriusXM subscription, which itself will require consent to additional telemetry from SiriusXM<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-27 |title=SiriusXM Help & Support Center |url=https://listenercare.siriusxm.com/prweb/autoredirect/app/ExternalKM/help/SupportCenter/article/KC-383215/How-do-I-manage-pop-up-messages-inside-my-vehicle%3F |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126212422/https://listenercare.siriusxm.com/prweb/autoredirect/app/ExternalKM/help/SupportCenter/article/KC-383215/How-do-I-manage-pop-up-messages-inside-my-vehicle%3F |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Alternative recourse would involve manually uninstalling the telematics module or pulling the fuse powering the telematics module to disable connectivity. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-27 |title=No sound in front speakers / Mic is missing (Something with Starlink plugs?) - Resolved {{!}} Subaru Crosstrek and XV Forums |url=https://www.subaruxvforum.com/threads/no-sound-in-front-speakers-mic-is-missing-something-with-starlink-plugs-resolved.180778/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260126213325/https://www.subaruxvforum.com/threads/no-sound-in-front-speakers-mic-is-missing-something-with-starlink-plugs-resolved.180778/ |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-11-27 |website=Subaru Crosstrek and XV Forums}}</ref> However, this can disable front audio speakers on certain models due to the fuse powering both Starlink telematics and the front speakers<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-02 |title=Disconnecting your telematics (Starlink) antenna {{!}} Subaru Outback Forums |url=https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/disconnecting-your-telematics-starlink-antenna.519259/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514174802/https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/disconnecting-your-telematics-starlink-antenna.519259/ |archive-date=14 May 2023 |access-date=2025-11-27 |website=Subaru Outback Forums}}</ref>.

===Starlink app exploit (''2025'')===
The exploit was achieved by intercepting the Starlink app's network requests which revealed the admin portal login screen. Using the "Reset password" feature of the admin portal which was hidden with [[JavaScript]] the hacker found an employee email off [[LinkedIn]] and successfully managed to login to the admin portal. Although implementing 2FA this too was entirely client-side and the modal window blocking further interaction without verification could also be hidden with JavaScript.

Inside the admin portal any employee can access a wide range of personal information, largely comprised of the personal information listed below. Additionally, if the employee has level 2 access, they can remotely lock, unlock, honk, issue speeding warnings and more which they demonstrated on their own and a friend's Subaru car.

The incident was initially ethically disclosed to Subaru on 24-20-11 with a blog post detailing the exploit released on 25-23-01.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curry |first=Sam |date=23 Jan 2025 |title=Hacking Subaru: Tracking and Controlling Cars via the STARLINK Admin Panel |url=https://samcurry.net/hacking-subaru |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115022030/https://samcurry.net/hacking-subaru |archive-date=15 Nov 2025|access-date=2025-02-19 |website=samcurry.net}}</ref>

==Data collection==
===Types of data collected===
Subaru's privacy policy and STARLINK terms of service specify that the following data may be collected:<ref name="SubaruPrivacy">{{Cite web |date= |title=Subaru Privacy Policy |url=https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221075725/https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies.html |archive-date=21 Feb 2025 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=subaru.com}}</ref>

*'''Personal information'''
**Names, addresses, and contact details.
**Phone numbers and email addresses.
**Social-security numbers (in specific cases).
**Driver's license numbers.
**Vehicle identification numbers (VIN).
*'''Vehicle data'''
**Location and GPS coordinates.
**Speed, acceleration, and braking patterns.
**Time and duration of trips.
**Maintenance and diagnostic information.
**Sensor data, such as crash severity, tire pressure, and coolant temperature.
*'''Audio and biometric data'''
**Audio recordings through onboard microphones.
**Voice data from STARLINK service-center calls.
**Biometric data from systems that driver attention.
**Search content and commands issued by occupants.

===Collection methods===
Data collection is performed through:
*Vehicle sensors and diagnostic modules.<ref name="MozillaReview">{{Cite web |last=Mozilla Research |first= |date=15 Aug 2023 |title=Mozilla Foundation Privacy Review: Subaru |url=https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/subaru/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906050929/https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/subaru/ |archive-date=6 Sep 2023 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=foundation.mozilla.org}}</ref>
*GPS tracking systems.
*Cellular-connectivity modules.
*STARLINK mobile apps and web portals.<ref name="MozillaReview" />

==Data sharing and sales==
===Third-party data sharing===
Subaru shares data with several entities, including:
*Data brokers, such as LexisNexis<ref name="SubaruPrivacy" /> and Verisk.<ref name="TorqueNews">{{Cite web |last=Flierl |first=Denis |date=21 May 2024 |title=Vehicle Data Collection Lawsuit |url=https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-now-involved-vehicle-data-collection-lawsuit-investigation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250801220315/https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-now-involved-vehicle-data-collection-lawsuit-investigation |archive-date=1 Aug 2025|access-date=2025-01-16 |website=torquenews.com}}</ref><ref name="NYT">{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Kashmir |date=11 March 2024 |title=Automakers Are Sharing Drivers’ Data |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311090514/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html |archive-date=11 Mar 2024 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=nytimes.com}}</ref>
*Insurance companies for risk assessment and pricing.<ref name="TorqueNews" />
*Marketing firms.
*Emergency services and law enforcement (when required by law).
*Subaru dealerships and distributors.
*Third-party service providers.<ref name="SubaruPrivacy" />
===Insurance-industry usage===
Data brokers aggregate and sell this information to insurance companies, who may:
*Increase insurance premiums based on driving patterns.
*Monitor driving behaviors to assess risk.
*Use driving data for personalized coverage offerings.<ref name="NYT" />

==Privacy concerns==
===Consent issues===
Key concerns include:
*Simply being a passenger in a STARLINK-equipped vehicle constitutes consent.<ref name="MozillaReview" />
*Lack of active notification during data collection.
*Limited opt-out options that might impact vehicle functionality.

===Difficulties in opting out===
Subaru’s opt-out process involves:
*Submitting detailed personal information.
*Potentially long response times.
*No verification mechanism for successful opt-out.<ref name="ConsumerForum">{{Cite web |date=26 Jan 2025 |title=Privacy Report Discussion |url=https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/privacy-not-included-subaru-report-connected-services-etc.556583/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510152056/https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/privacy-not-included-subaru-report-connected-services-etc.556583/ |archive-date=10 May 2025 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=subaruoutback.org}}</ref>

===Legal challenges===
Subaru faces legal scrutiny for:
*Allegations of insufficiently disclosing its data-collection policies what it does with data.
*Potential non-compliance with privacy laws.
*{{Wplink|Class action}} lawsuit investigations over consent practices.<ref name="TorqueNews" />

==Technical details==
===System architecture===
STARLINK is built upon:
*Embedded telematics devices.
*4G LTE cellular networks.
*GPS receivers and cloud-based data-processing systems.<ref name="StarlinkTerms">{{Cite web |title=Subaru STARLINK Terms and Conditions |url=https://www.subaru.com/support/terms-and-conditions/subaru-starlink/subaru-starlink-services.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708205238/https://www.subaru.com/support/terms-and-conditions/subaru-starlink/subaru-starlink-services.html |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=subaru.com}}</ref>

===Data transmission===
*Real-time data transmission through LTE networks.
*Local storage when connectivity is unavailable.<ref name="StarlinkTerms" />

==Consumer-protection issues==
===Privacy rights===
Critics cite:
*Minimal control over data retention.
*Broad sharing permissions in privacy policies.
*Limited transparency about how data is used.<ref name="MozillaReview" />

===Economic harm===
*Insurance-rate adjustments based on driving data.
*Subscription fees for connected services.
*Potential effects on vehicle resale value.<ref name="NYT" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Valve

2026-05-05T06:02:04Z

Sojourna: /* Lawsuits */

{{Cleanup|Issue 1=Citations need better formatting and have archive URLs. See [[Template:Cite web]] for further assistance.}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American video game company known for distribution platform Steam and game series like Half Life, Portal, Team Fortress, and Counter Strike.
|Founded=1996
|Industry=Video game retail, Video game development, Video game hardware
|Logo=Valve_Corporation_Logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://valvesoftware.com/
}}

'''{{Wplink|Valve Corporation}}''' (also known as '''Valve Software''') is a software distribution company, most known for being the owner of the distribution service [[Steam]]. Valve additionally develops tools frequently used by various professional and amateur creators, such as Source Filmmaker and the Source Engines, as well as manufacturing hardware items such as the {{Wplink|Steam Deck}}. It was founded in 1996 by {{Wplink|Gabe Newell}} and Mike Harrington.

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

===Business model===
Valve's primary source of revenue is the sale of both its own and third party games on the Steam platform.
Valve also manufactures and sells gaming hardware systems. These products include: the Steam Deck, Steam Machine and Steam Frame which all run [[SteamOS]], Valve's Linux-based operating system, out of the box.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam Hardware |url=https://store.steampowered.com/sale/hardware |url-status=live |website=[[Steam]]}}</ref>

==Positives==
===Contributions to open-source (''2018—'')===
Valve has made several noteworthy open-source contributions to advance software [[interoperability]], which have improved gaming on Linux and macOS, and running {{Wplink|x86}} software on {{Wplink|ARM}} processors.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />

====Wine compatibility layer====
On 21 August 2018, Valve released the first version of the {{Wplink|Proton (software)|Proton}} compatibility layer,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=2018-08-21 |title=Valve officially confirm a new version of 'Steam Play' which includes a modified version of Wine |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2018/08/valve-officially-confirm-a-new-version-of-steam-play-which-includes-a-modified-version-of-wine/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=GamingOnLinux}}</ref> which was developed in partnership with {{Wplink|CodeWeavers}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmid |first=Jana |date=2022-02-25 |title=CODEWEAVERS’ PROTON SOFTWARE SAUCE POWERS STEAM DECK |url=https://www.codeweavers.com/about/news/press/20220225 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=CodeWeavers}}</ref> Proton is the fork of the {{Wplink|Wine (software)|Wine}}<ref name=":4" /> compatibility layer that allows [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] programs to run on {{Wplink|POSIX}}-compliant {{Wplink|operating systems}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run Windows applications on Linux, BSD, Solaris and macOS |url=https://www.winehq.org/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=WineHQ}}</ref> Proton's primary focus is to improve performance and compatibility of Windows games running on {{Wplink|Linux}} operating systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GitHub - ValveSoftware/Proton: Compatibility tool for Steam Play based on Wine and additional components |url=https://github.com/ValveSoftware/Proton |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Github}}</ref> It works by translating Windows specific {{Wplink|DirectX}} API calls to {{Wplink|Vulkan}}.{{Citation needed}}

As an effect of developing Proton, Valve and CodeWeavers have upstreamed a lot of upgrades and fixes to Wine.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Larabel |first=Michael |date=2019-03-27 |title=A Lot Of Valve's Proton Work Is Landing Back In Upstream Wine |url=https://www.phoronix.com/news/Proton-Work-Back-In-Wine-4.2 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Phoronix}}</ref>

====FEX emulation layer====
On 12 November 2025, Valve announced the Steam Frame, an ARM based {{Wplink|VR headset}} which will be running {{Wplink|SteamOS}}.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Lathan |first2=Patrick |last3=Makhnovets |first3=Vitalii |last4=Phetdara |first4=Tim |last5=Thang |first5=Jimmy |date=2025-11-14 |title=Valve Steam Machine, Desktop SteamOS, Steam Frame VR, & Controller {{!}} ft. Engineering Discussion |url=https://gamersnexus.net/news-pre-built-pc/valve-steam-machine-desktop-steamos-steam-frame-vr-controller-ft-engineering |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Gamers Nexus}}</ref> In order to to be compatible with most Windows x86 games, Valve will be using the FEX-Emu emulation layer alongside Proton.<ref name=":5" /> In an anniversary blog post, the FEX lead dev stated: <blockquote>I want to thank the people from Valve for being here from the start and allowing me to kickstart this project. They trusted me with the responsibility of designing and frameworking the project in a way that it can work long-term; not only for their use cases but also keeping it an open project that anyone can adapt for their own use cases.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Houdek |first=Ryan |date=2025-11-28 |title=FEX seven year anniversary! |url=https://fex-emu.com/FEXiversary/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=FEX-Emu}}</ref></blockquote>FEX works by emulating x86 specific instructions to ARM64.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FEX-Emu – A fast linux usermode x86 and x86-64 emulator |url=https://fex-emu.com/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=FEX-Emu}}</ref>

===Repairable hardware===
====Steam Deck====
Following the release of the Steam Deck in 2022, Gamers Nexus and iFixit released teardown videos praising the ease of dissassembly of the device,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Lathan |first2=Patrick |last3=Stone |first3=Patrick |last4=Coleman |first4=Andrew |last5=Gallick |first5=Keegan |date=2022-02-08 |title=Steam Deck Tear-Down: Build Quality, Disassembly, & VRM Analysis |url=https://inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=dlsJB3narnk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=dlsJB3narnk |archive-date=2026-04-29 |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=Invidious}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Suovanen |first=Jeff |date=2022-02-15 |title=Steam Deck Teardown: Everything Valve Said Not to Do! |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/57101/steam-deck-teardown |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=iFixit}}</ref> the latter giving it a 7/10 on their repairability score.<ref name=":8" />

In collaboration with iFixit, Valve makes many of the Deck's parts available on iFixit for reasonable prices with first party repair guides.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam Deck LCD Repair Help: Learn How to Fix It Yourself. |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Steam_Deck |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=iFixit}}</ref>

Except for the first party repair guides, the same praise<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Clayton |first2=Jeremy |last3=Gaglione |first3=Mike |last4=Makhnovets |first4=Vitalii |date=2023-11-11 |title=They Changed Everything: Valve Steam Deck OLED vs. LCD Tear-Down |url=https://inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=9jhRh11bTRA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=9jhRh11bTRA |archive-date=2026-04-29 |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=Invidious}}</ref> alongside the parts availability for reasonable prices on iFixit is also applicable to the updated OLED model.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam Deck OLED Repair Help: Learn How to Fix It Yourself. |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Steam_Deck_OLED |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=iFixit}}</ref>

====Steam Controller (2nd Gen)====
Following the release of the Steam Controller (2nd Gen) in 2026, Gamers Nexus released a teardown video praising the ease of dissassemble of the device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Makhnovets |first2=Vitalii |last3=Williams |first3=Tannen |date=2026-04-28 |title=Impressive Repairability: Valve Steam Controller Tear-Down & Disassembly |url=https://inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=hVRfie61QyE |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=Invidious}}</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]].

===PC version of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive replaced by Counter-Strike 2 (''2023'')===
Counter-Strike 2, previously available as a 'Limited Test' since March 22nd 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ali |date=2023-03-22 |title=Here's how to access the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test {{!}} GamesRadar+ |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/counter-strike-2-limited-test/ |url-status=live |website=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214114651/https://www.gamesradar.com/counter-strike-2-limited-test/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>, released on September 27th 2023, replacing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on [[Steam]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Dustin |date=2023-09-27 |title=After 11 years of CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 has officially replaced the biggest game on Steam {{!}} GamesRadar+ |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/after-11-years-of-csgo-counter-strike-2-has-officially-replaced-the-biggest-game-on-steam/ |url-status=live |website=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251223173642/https://www.gamesradar.com/after-11-years-of-csgo-counter-strike-2-has-officially-replaced-the-biggest-game-on-steam/ |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</ref>. This removed access to Global Offensive for those who had purchased it, every mainline PC Counter-Strike game before Global Offensive (Counter-Strike<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/10/CounterStrike/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230014611/https://store.steampowered.com/app/10/CounterStrike/ |archive-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref>, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike: Condition Zero on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/80/CounterStrike_Condition_Zero/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228102653/https://store.steampowered.com/app/80/CounterStrike_Condition_Zero/ |archive-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref> and Counter-Strike: Source<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike: Source on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/240/CounterStrike_Source/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251217184118/https://store.steampowered.com/app/240/CounterStrike_Source/ |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>) can still be purchased and played on [[Steam]] through a separate library entry so this was an unprecedented move from Valve.

A legacy version of Global Offensive called 'CS:GO Legacy' was released on October 10th 2023<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Legacy CS:GO Version |url=https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/73EF-08A3-0935-6369 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010111016/https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/73EF-08A3-0935-6369 |archive-date=2023-10-10}}</ref> after backlash from the Counter-Strike community towards the Counter-Strike 2 launch and Global Offensive replacement. This version can only be accessed while Counter-Strike 2 is installed<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=2023-10-13 |title=How to play CS:GO now that Counter-Strike 2 is out {{!}} PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |url-status=live |website=PCGamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211035203/https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref>. Valve committed to supporting this version of the game until January 1st 2024<ref name=":0" /> but in that support window ignored bug reports from the community such as Counter-Strike 2 servers appearing in the community server browser with no way to distinguish these servers from Global Offensive servers unless the server specified what game it was targeting in it's name. CS:GO Legacy received only one update<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-13 |title=Counter-Strike 2 History · Change #20663547 · SteamDB |url=https://steamdb.info/app/730/history/?changeid=20663547 |url-status=live |website=SteamDB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251020235311/https://steamdb.info/app/730/history/?changeid=20663547 |archive-date=20 Oct 2025}}</ref> during its support window and this update didn't contain any public update notes so it is unclear what this may have fixed.

After the support window for CS:GO Legacy ended, numerous problems started occurring with the game. Global Offensive servers stopped appearing in the CS:GO Legacy community server browser<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-08 |title=CS:GO Legacy servers being rejected from Steam / CS:GO Legacy server browser listings · Issue #4047 · ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux |url=https://github.com/ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux/issues/4047 |url-status=live |website=GitHub |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514162130/https://github.com/ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux/issues/4047 |archive-date=14 May 2025}}</ref> which meant that only external third party server browsers could be used to find Global Offensive servers and these servers have to be added manually unlike [[Steam]]'s server browser which finds and queries new servers automatically. As a point of comparison, the mainline PC Counter-Strike games released before Global Offensive (Counter-Strike, Condition Zero and Source) still have a functional server browser without needing third party intervention.

It also became impossible to use multiple weapons (M4A1-S, USP-S, CZ75-Auto, MP5-SD, R8 Revolver) in regular gameplay on vanilla servers without plugins as the loadout system used to switch between weapons and equip weapon skins was discontinued on CS:GO Legacy.<ref>[[File:CS-GO Legacy Inventory Message.jpg|thumb|Pop-up message after attempting to open the Inventory on the main menu of CS:GO Legacy, screenshot taken 23rd October 2025.]]
</ref> There was an unofficial method of re-enabling the loadout system so these weapons could be equipped and used in game but this method was patched in the May 8th 2025 Counter-Strike 2 update.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Csgo_Legacy_2023 – BaseQ WiQi |url=https://wiki.baseq.fr/Installation-Guides/Source/Csgo_Legacy_2023?revision=7fa46e#enabling-back-your-inventory |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-24 |website=BaseQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260105023533/https://wiki.baseq.fr/Installation-Guides/Source/Csgo_Legacy_2023?revision=7fa46e#enabling-back-your-inventory |archive-date=5 Jan 2026}}</ref> Although patched for its intended purpose, some CS:GO Legacy community servers still require this method for players to join their servers.<ref name=":3" />

===Steam users do not own their games (''2024'')===
In October 2024, Valve added a note to Steam's payment checkout screen which states: <blockquote>A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam. For full terms and conditions, please see the Steam Subscriber Agreement.</blockquote> This is attributed to a law passed in California which requires storefronts to clearly state whether a consumer is purchasing a license for digital media.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=11 Oct 2024 |title=Steam now says the ‘game’ you’re buying is really just a license |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/11/24267864/steam-buy-purchase-license-digital-storefront |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214142023/https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/11/24267864/steam-buy-purchase-license-digital-storefront |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>

The licenses are tied to the Steam account, so if the consumer loses access to the account they will lose all the licenses with it.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=11 Oct 2024 |title=Steam's new disclaimer reminds everyone that you don't actually own your games, GOG moves in for the killshot: Its offline installers 'cannot be taken away from you' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/steams-new-disclaimer-reminds-everyone-that-you-dont-actually-own-your-games-gog-moves-in-for-the-killshot-its-offline-installers-cannot-be-taken-away-from-you/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251117104943/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/steams-new-disclaimer-reminds-everyone-that-you-dont-actually-own-your-games-gog-moves-in-for-the-killshot-its-offline-installers-cannot-be-taken-away-from-you/ |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref> Steam forbids consumers from transferring their licenses to other accounts, even if the accounts are owned by the same person that purchased the license. Steam forbids consumers from allowing other people to use their Steam account, even if passed down via a will.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Litchfield |first=Ted |date=2024-05-26 |title=You can't take it with you, but you can't leave it for someone else either: Valve says you aren't allowed to bequeath a Steam account in a will |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/you-cant-take-it-with-you-but-you-cant-leave-it-behind-either-valve-says-you-arent-allowed-to-bequeath-a-steam-account-in-a-will/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114134401/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/you-cant-take-it-with-you-but-you-cant-leave-it-behind-either-valve-says-you-arent-allowed-to-bequeath-a-steam-account-in-a-will/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>

This is in contrast to Steam's main competitor [https://www.gog.com/en/ GOG], which states on its payment checkout screen: <blockquote>A purchase of a digital product on GOG grants you its Offline Installers, which cannot be taken away from you.<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Some games downloaded through Steam can be played without the Steam client running.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of DRM-free games |url=https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251121055931/https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games |archive-date=21 Nov 2025 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Fandom}}</ref>

==Products==
===Hardware===
*HTC VIVE (1st Gen)
*Steam Controller (1st Gen)
*Steam Controller (2nd Gen)
*Steam Deck
*Steam Deck OLED
*Steam Machine (1st Gen)
*Steam Machine (1st Gen)
*Steam Frame
*Valve Index

===Software===
*SteamOS 1.0
*SteamOS 2.0
*SteamOS 3.0

===Games===
*Counter Strike
*Counter Strike Global Offensive
*Counter Strike: Source
*Counter Strike 2
*Half Life: Alyx
*Half Life
*Half Life 2
*<s>Half Life 3</s>
*Portal
*Portal 2

==Lawsuits==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Dispute Title
!Year started and ended
(if concluded)
!Background Information
!Aftermath
!Related Articles
|-
|''ACCC v. Valve Corporation''<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Mar 2016 |title=Federal Court finds Valve made misleading representations about consumer guarantees |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/federal-court-finds-valve-made-misleading-representations-about-consumer-guarantees |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=ACCC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251013070949/https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/federal-court-finds-valve-made-misleading-representations-about-consumer-guarantees |archive-date=13 Oct 2025}}</ref>
|2014–2016
|During this lawsuit, Valve was found by the Australian Federal Court to have refused to offer refunds for faulty or broken products.
|Users now have the ability to easily refund games they purchased, so long as they follow the refund policy.
|
|-
|''UFC Que Choisir v. Valve Corporation''<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Dec 2024 |title=Tough Times Ahead for Digital Video Game Resellers: French Supreme Court Ruling in UFC Que Choisir v. Valve |url=https://www.foxmandal.in/tough-times-ahead-for-digital-video-game-resellers-french-supreme-court-ruling-in-ufc-que-choisir-v-valve/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=Fox Mandal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204122942/https://www.foxmandal.in/tough-times-ahead-for-digital-video-game-resellers-french-supreme-court-ruling-in-ufc-que-choisir-v-valve/ |archive-date=4 Dec 2024}}</ref>
|2015–2019
(still disputed)
|UFC Que Choisir sued Valve on the grounds that users deserved to resell their digital licenses.
|Users in France had the right to resell their digital Steam library, overturned in October 2024.
|
|-
|''McLeod v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-04 |title=McLeod v. Valve Corp. |url=https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126102613/https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Casetext}}</ref>
|2016
|MacLeod started the first antitrust case against Valve Corp. over the sale of their games.
|Absorbed into another legal dispute; continues to be dismissed within Seattle courts.
|
|-
|''Wolfire Games v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-06 |title=Wolfire Games LLC v. Valve Corp. |url=https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202174447/https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7 |archive-date=2025-02-02 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Casetext}}</ref>
|2021–2022
|The first notable antitrust case against Valve's unfair market manipulation of their games.
|Absorbed into another dispute/now a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=28 Nov 2024 |title=The antitrust lawsuit against Steam is now a class action, and that could have big repercussions for Valve |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-antitrust-lawsuit-against-steam-is-now-a-class-action-and-that-could-have-big-repercussions-for-valve/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251118020850/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-antitrust-lawsuit-against-steam-is-now-a-class-action-and-that-could-have-big-repercussions-for-valve/ |archive-date=18 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|
|-
|''Sean Colvin'' (and various others) ''v. Valve Corporation, CD Projekt S.A., CD Projekt, Inc., Ubisoft Entertainment S.A., Ubisoft, Inc., Ubisoft L.A., Inc., kChamp Games, Inc., Rust, LLC, and Devolver Digital, Inc.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Eriq |date=28 Jan 2021 |title=Popular Gaming Platform Accused of Abusing Market Power Through Contracts |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/popular-gaming-platform-accused-of-abusing-market-power-through-contracts-4124057/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114174554/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/popular-gaming-platform-accused-of-abusing-market-power-through-contracts-4124057/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|2021 - Unfinished
|Five individuals in California sued Valve (among various other publishers) over participating in anti-competitive behavior with the Steam platform, most notably over the sale of games for lesser prices on other platforms.
|Not concluded because of indefinite postponement by Valve.
|
|-
|''Bucher Law PLCC v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bucher Law Steam Lawsuit |url=https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174529/https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=LawGud}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=Valve antitrust litigation |url=https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174522/https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Bucher Law Firm}}</ref>
|C.A. 2021 - Unfinished
|A companion to previous lawsuits against Valve over their anti-competitive monopoly, this time covering consumers over their purchase of games on Steam.
|Not concluded, slowly being arbitrated.
|
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Valve Corporation]]
[[Category:Online companies]]

Valve

2026-05-05T06:01:16Z

Sojourna: Added clean-up tag.

{{Cleanup|Issue 1=Citations need better formatting and have archive URLs. See [[Template:Cite web]] for further assistance.}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American video game company known for distribution platform Steam and game series like Half Life, Portal, Team Fortress, and Counter Strike.
|Founded=1996
|Industry=Video game retail, Video game development, Video game hardware
|Logo=Valve_Corporation_Logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://valvesoftware.com/
}}

'''{{Wplink|Valve Corporation}}''' (also known as '''Valve Software''') is a software distribution company, most known for being the owner of the distribution service [[Steam]]. Valve additionally develops tools frequently used by various professional and amateur creators, such as Source Filmmaker and the Source Engines, as well as manufacturing hardware items such as the {{Wplink|Steam Deck}}. It was founded in 1996 by {{Wplink|Gabe Newell}} and Mike Harrington.

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

===Business model===
Valve's primary source of revenue is the sale of both its own and third party games on the Steam platform.
Valve also manufactures and sells gaming hardware systems. These products include: the Steam Deck, Steam Machine and Steam Frame which all run [[SteamOS]], Valve's Linux-based operating system, out of the box.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam Hardware |url=https://store.steampowered.com/sale/hardware |url-status=live |website=[[Steam]]}}</ref>

==Positives==
===Contributions to open-source (''2018—'')===
Valve has made several noteworthy open-source contributions to advance software [[interoperability]], which have improved gaming on Linux and macOS, and running {{Wplink|x86}} software on {{Wplink|ARM}} processors.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />

====Wine compatibility layer====
On 21 August 2018, Valve released the first version of the {{Wplink|Proton (software)|Proton}} compatibility layer,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=2018-08-21 |title=Valve officially confirm a new version of 'Steam Play' which includes a modified version of Wine |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2018/08/valve-officially-confirm-a-new-version-of-steam-play-which-includes-a-modified-version-of-wine/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=GamingOnLinux}}</ref> which was developed in partnership with {{Wplink|CodeWeavers}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmid |first=Jana |date=2022-02-25 |title=CODEWEAVERS’ PROTON SOFTWARE SAUCE POWERS STEAM DECK |url=https://www.codeweavers.com/about/news/press/20220225 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=CodeWeavers}}</ref> Proton is the fork of the {{Wplink|Wine (software)|Wine}}<ref name=":4" /> compatibility layer that allows [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] programs to run on {{Wplink|POSIX}}-compliant {{Wplink|operating systems}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run Windows applications on Linux, BSD, Solaris and macOS |url=https://www.winehq.org/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=WineHQ}}</ref> Proton's primary focus is to improve performance and compatibility of Windows games running on {{Wplink|Linux}} operating systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GitHub - ValveSoftware/Proton: Compatibility tool for Steam Play based on Wine and additional components |url=https://github.com/ValveSoftware/Proton |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Github}}</ref> It works by translating Windows specific {{Wplink|DirectX}} API calls to {{Wplink|Vulkan}}.{{Citation needed}}

As an effect of developing Proton, Valve and CodeWeavers have upstreamed a lot of upgrades and fixes to Wine.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Larabel |first=Michael |date=2019-03-27 |title=A Lot Of Valve's Proton Work Is Landing Back In Upstream Wine |url=https://www.phoronix.com/news/Proton-Work-Back-In-Wine-4.2 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Phoronix}}</ref>

====FEX emulation layer====
On 12 November 2025, Valve announced the Steam Frame, an ARM based {{Wplink|VR headset}} which will be running {{Wplink|SteamOS}}.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Lathan |first2=Patrick |last3=Makhnovets |first3=Vitalii |last4=Phetdara |first4=Tim |last5=Thang |first5=Jimmy |date=2025-11-14 |title=Valve Steam Machine, Desktop SteamOS, Steam Frame VR, & Controller {{!}} ft. Engineering Discussion |url=https://gamersnexus.net/news-pre-built-pc/valve-steam-machine-desktop-steamos-steam-frame-vr-controller-ft-engineering |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Gamers Nexus}}</ref> In order to to be compatible with most Windows x86 games, Valve will be using the FEX-Emu emulation layer alongside Proton.<ref name=":5" /> In an anniversary blog post, the FEX lead dev stated: <blockquote>I want to thank the people from Valve for being here from the start and allowing me to kickstart this project. They trusted me with the responsibility of designing and frameworking the project in a way that it can work long-term; not only for their use cases but also keeping it an open project that anyone can adapt for their own use cases.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Houdek |first=Ryan |date=2025-11-28 |title=FEX seven year anniversary! |url=https://fex-emu.com/FEXiversary/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=FEX-Emu}}</ref></blockquote>FEX works by emulating x86 specific instructions to ARM64.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FEX-Emu – A fast linux usermode x86 and x86-64 emulator |url=https://fex-emu.com/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=FEX-Emu}}</ref>

===Repairable hardware===
====Steam Deck====
Following the release of the Steam Deck in 2022, Gamers Nexus and iFixit released teardown videos praising the ease of dissassembly of the device,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Lathan |first2=Patrick |last3=Stone |first3=Patrick |last4=Coleman |first4=Andrew |last5=Gallick |first5=Keegan |date=2022-02-08 |title=Steam Deck Tear-Down: Build Quality, Disassembly, & VRM Analysis |url=https://inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=dlsJB3narnk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=dlsJB3narnk |archive-date=2026-04-29 |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=Invidious}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Suovanen |first=Jeff |date=2022-02-15 |title=Steam Deck Teardown: Everything Valve Said Not to Do! |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/57101/steam-deck-teardown |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=iFixit}}</ref> the latter giving it a 7/10 on their repairability score.<ref name=":8" />

In collaboration with iFixit, Valve makes many of the Deck's parts available on iFixit for reasonable prices with first party repair guides.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam Deck LCD Repair Help: Learn How to Fix It Yourself. |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Steam_Deck |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=iFixit}}</ref>

Except for the first party repair guides, the same praise<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Clayton |first2=Jeremy |last3=Gaglione |first3=Mike |last4=Makhnovets |first4=Vitalii |date=2023-11-11 |title=They Changed Everything: Valve Steam Deck OLED vs. LCD Tear-Down |url=https://inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=9jhRh11bTRA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=9jhRh11bTRA |archive-date=2026-04-29 |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=Invidious}}</ref> alongside the parts availability for reasonable prices on iFixit is also applicable to the updated OLED model.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam Deck OLED Repair Help: Learn How to Fix It Yourself. |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Steam_Deck_OLED |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=iFixit}}</ref>

====Steam Controller (2nd Gen)====
Following the release of the Steam Controller (2nd Gen) in 2026, Gamers Nexus released a teardown video praising the ease of dissassemble of the device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Makhnovets |first2=Vitalii |last3=Williams |first3=Tannen |date=2026-04-28 |title=Impressive Repairability: Valve Steam Controller Tear-Down & Disassembly |url=https://inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=hVRfie61QyE |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=Invidious}}</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]].

===PC version of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive replaced by Counter-Strike 2 (''2023'')===
Counter-Strike 2, previously available as a 'Limited Test' since March 22nd 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ali |date=2023-03-22 |title=Here's how to access the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test {{!}} GamesRadar+ |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/counter-strike-2-limited-test/ |url-status=live |website=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214114651/https://www.gamesradar.com/counter-strike-2-limited-test/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>, released on September 27th 2023, replacing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on [[Steam]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Dustin |date=2023-09-27 |title=After 11 years of CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 has officially replaced the biggest game on Steam {{!}} GamesRadar+ |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/after-11-years-of-csgo-counter-strike-2-has-officially-replaced-the-biggest-game-on-steam/ |url-status=live |website=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251223173642/https://www.gamesradar.com/after-11-years-of-csgo-counter-strike-2-has-officially-replaced-the-biggest-game-on-steam/ |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</ref>. This removed access to Global Offensive for those who had purchased it, every mainline PC Counter-Strike game before Global Offensive (Counter-Strike<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/10/CounterStrike/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230014611/https://store.steampowered.com/app/10/CounterStrike/ |archive-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref>, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike: Condition Zero on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/80/CounterStrike_Condition_Zero/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228102653/https://store.steampowered.com/app/80/CounterStrike_Condition_Zero/ |archive-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref> and Counter-Strike: Source<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike: Source on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/240/CounterStrike_Source/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251217184118/https://store.steampowered.com/app/240/CounterStrike_Source/ |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>) can still be purchased and played on [[Steam]] through a separate library entry so this was an unprecedented move from Valve.

A legacy version of Global Offensive called 'CS:GO Legacy' was released on October 10th 2023<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Legacy CS:GO Version |url=https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/73EF-08A3-0935-6369 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010111016/https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/73EF-08A3-0935-6369 |archive-date=2023-10-10}}</ref> after backlash from the Counter-Strike community towards the Counter-Strike 2 launch and Global Offensive replacement. This version can only be accessed while Counter-Strike 2 is installed<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=2023-10-13 |title=How to play CS:GO now that Counter-Strike 2 is out {{!}} PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |url-status=live |website=PCGamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211035203/https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref>. Valve committed to supporting this version of the game until January 1st 2024<ref name=":0" /> but in that support window ignored bug reports from the community such as Counter-Strike 2 servers appearing in the community server browser with no way to distinguish these servers from Global Offensive servers unless the server specified what game it was targeting in it's name. CS:GO Legacy received only one update<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-13 |title=Counter-Strike 2 History · Change #20663547 · SteamDB |url=https://steamdb.info/app/730/history/?changeid=20663547 |url-status=live |website=SteamDB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251020235311/https://steamdb.info/app/730/history/?changeid=20663547 |archive-date=20 Oct 2025}}</ref> during its support window and this update didn't contain any public update notes so it is unclear what this may have fixed.

After the support window for CS:GO Legacy ended, numerous problems started occurring with the game. Global Offensive servers stopped appearing in the CS:GO Legacy community server browser<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-08 |title=CS:GO Legacy servers being rejected from Steam / CS:GO Legacy server browser listings · Issue #4047 · ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux |url=https://github.com/ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux/issues/4047 |url-status=live |website=GitHub |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514162130/https://github.com/ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux/issues/4047 |archive-date=14 May 2025}}</ref> which meant that only external third party server browsers could be used to find Global Offensive servers and these servers have to be added manually unlike [[Steam]]'s server browser which finds and queries new servers automatically. As a point of comparison, the mainline PC Counter-Strike games released before Global Offensive (Counter-Strike, Condition Zero and Source) still have a functional server browser without needing third party intervention.

It also became impossible to use multiple weapons (M4A1-S, USP-S, CZ75-Auto, MP5-SD, R8 Revolver) in regular gameplay on vanilla servers without plugins as the loadout system used to switch between weapons and equip weapon skins was discontinued on CS:GO Legacy.<ref>[[File:CS-GO Legacy Inventory Message.jpg|thumb|Pop-up message after attempting to open the Inventory on the main menu of CS:GO Legacy, screenshot taken 23rd October 2025.]]
</ref> There was an unofficial method of re-enabling the loadout system so these weapons could be equipped and used in game but this method was patched in the May 8th 2025 Counter-Strike 2 update.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Csgo_Legacy_2023 – BaseQ WiQi |url=https://wiki.baseq.fr/Installation-Guides/Source/Csgo_Legacy_2023?revision=7fa46e#enabling-back-your-inventory |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-24 |website=BaseQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260105023533/https://wiki.baseq.fr/Installation-Guides/Source/Csgo_Legacy_2023?revision=7fa46e#enabling-back-your-inventory |archive-date=5 Jan 2026}}</ref> Although patched for its intended purpose, some CS:GO Legacy community servers still require this method for players to join their servers.<ref name=":3" />

===Steam users do not own their games (''2024'')===
In October 2024, Valve added a note to Steam's payment checkout screen which states: <blockquote>A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam. For full terms and conditions, please see the Steam Subscriber Agreement.</blockquote> This is attributed to a law passed in California which requires storefronts to clearly state whether a consumer is purchasing a license for digital media.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=11 Oct 2024 |title=Steam now says the ‘game’ you’re buying is really just a license |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/11/24267864/steam-buy-purchase-license-digital-storefront |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214142023/https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/11/24267864/steam-buy-purchase-license-digital-storefront |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>

The licenses are tied to the Steam account, so if the consumer loses access to the account they will lose all the licenses with it.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=11 Oct 2024 |title=Steam's new disclaimer reminds everyone that you don't actually own your games, GOG moves in for the killshot: Its offline installers 'cannot be taken away from you' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/steams-new-disclaimer-reminds-everyone-that-you-dont-actually-own-your-games-gog-moves-in-for-the-killshot-its-offline-installers-cannot-be-taken-away-from-you/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251117104943/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/steams-new-disclaimer-reminds-everyone-that-you-dont-actually-own-your-games-gog-moves-in-for-the-killshot-its-offline-installers-cannot-be-taken-away-from-you/ |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref> Steam forbids consumers from transferring their licenses to other accounts, even if the accounts are owned by the same person that purchased the license. Steam forbids consumers from allowing other people to use their Steam account, even if passed down via a will.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Litchfield |first=Ted |date=2024-05-26 |title=You can't take it with you, but you can't leave it for someone else either: Valve says you aren't allowed to bequeath a Steam account in a will |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/you-cant-take-it-with-you-but-you-cant-leave-it-behind-either-valve-says-you-arent-allowed-to-bequeath-a-steam-account-in-a-will/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114134401/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/you-cant-take-it-with-you-but-you-cant-leave-it-behind-either-valve-says-you-arent-allowed-to-bequeath-a-steam-account-in-a-will/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>

This is in contrast to Steam's main competitor [https://www.gog.com/en/ GOG], which states on its payment checkout screen: <blockquote>A purchase of a digital product on GOG grants you its Offline Installers, which cannot be taken away from you.<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Some games downloaded through Steam can be played without the Steam client running.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of DRM-free games |url=https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251121055931/https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games |archive-date=21 Nov 2025 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Fandom}}</ref>

==Products==
===Hardware===
*HTC VIVE (1st Gen)
*Steam Controller (1st Gen)
*Steam Controller (2nd Gen)
*Steam Deck
*Steam Deck OLED
*Steam Machine (1st Gen)
*Steam Machine (1st Gen)
*Steam Frame
*Valve Index

===Software===
*SteamOS 1.0
*SteamOS 2.0
*SteamOS 3.0

===Games===
*Counter Strike
*Counter Strike Global Offensive
*Counter Strike: Source
*Counter Strike 2
*Half Life: Alyx
*Half Life
*Half Life 2
*<s>Half Life 3</s>
*Portal
*Portal 2

==Lawsuits==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Dispute Title
!Year started and ended
(if concluded)
!Background Information
!Aftermath
!Related Articles
|-
|''ACCC v. Valve Corporation''<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Mar 2016 |title=Federal Court finds Valve made misleading representations about consumer guarantees |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/federal-court-finds-valve-made-misleading-representations-about-consumer-guarantees |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=ACCC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251013070949/https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/federal-court-finds-valve-made-misleading-representations-about-consumer-guarantees |archive-date=13 Oct 2025}}</ref>
|2014–2016
|During this lawsuit, Valve was found by the Australian Federal Court to have refused to offer refunds for faulty or broken products.
|Users now have the ability to easily refund games they purchased, so long as they follow the refund policy.
|
|-
|''UFC Que Choisir v. Valve Corporation''<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Dec 2024 |title=Tough Times Ahead for Digital Video Game Resellers: French Supreme Court Ruling in UFC Que Choisir v. Valve |url=https://www.foxmandal.in/tough-times-ahead-for-digital-video-game-resellers-french-supreme-court-ruling-in-ufc-que-choisir-v-valve/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=Fox Mandal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204122942/https://www.foxmandal.in/tough-times-ahead-for-digital-video-game-resellers-french-supreme-court-ruling-in-ufc-que-choisir-v-valve/ |archive-date=4 Dec 2024}}</ref>
|2015–2019
(still disputed)
|UFC Que Choisir sued Valve on the grounds that users deserved to resell their digital licenses.
|Users in France had the right to resell their digital Steam library, overturned in October 2024.
|
|-
|''McLeod v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-04 |title=McLeod v. Valve Corp. |url=https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126102613/https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Casetext}}</ref>
|2016
|MacLeod started the first antitrust case against Valve Corp. over the sale of their games.
|Absorbed into another legal dispute; continues to be dismissed within Seattle courts.
|
|-
|''Wolfire Games v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-06 |title=Wolfire Games LLC v. Valve Corp. |url=https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202174447/https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7 |archive-date=2025-02-02 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Casetext}}</ref>
|2021–2022
|The first notable antitrust case against Valve's unfair market manipulation of their games.
|Absorbed into another dispute/now a [[class action lawsuit]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=28 Nov 2024 |title=The antitrust lawsuit against Steam is now a class action, and that could have big repercussions for Valve |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-antitrust-lawsuit-against-steam-is-now-a-class-action-and-that-could-have-big-repercussions-for-valve/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251118020850/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-antitrust-lawsuit-against-steam-is-now-a-class-action-and-that-could-have-big-repercussions-for-valve/ |archive-date=18 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|
|-
|''Sean Colvin'' (and various others) ''v. Valve Corporation, CD Projekt S.A., CD Projekt, Inc., Ubisoft Entertainment S.A., Ubisoft, Inc., Ubisoft L.A., Inc., kChamp Games, Inc., Rust, LLC, and Devolver Digital, Inc.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Eriq |date=28 Jan 2021 |title=Popular Gaming Platform Accused of Abusing Market Power Through Contracts |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/popular-gaming-platform-accused-of-abusing-market-power-through-contracts-4124057/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114174554/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/popular-gaming-platform-accused-of-abusing-market-power-through-contracts-4124057/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|2021 - Unfinished
|Five individuals in California sued Valve (among various other publishers) over participating in anti-competitive behavior with the Steam platform, most notably over the sale of games for lesser prices on other platforms.
|Not concluded because of indefinite postponement by Valve.
|
|-
|''Bucher Law PLCC v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bucher Law Steam Lawsuit |url=https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174529/https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=LawGud}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=Valve antitrust litigation |url=https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174522/https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Bucher Law Firm}}</ref>
|C.A. 2021 - Unfinished
|A companion to previous lawsuits against Valve over their anti-competitive monopoly, this time covering consumers over their purchase of games on Steam.
|Not concluded, slowly being arbitrated.
|
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Valve Corporation]]
[[Category:Online companies]]

Bambu Lab Authorization Control System

2026-05-05T05:54:12Z

Sojourna:

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Bambu Lab
|StartDate=2025-01-16
|Status=Active
|Type=Post-purchase terms change
|Description=On January 16, 2025,Bambu Lab announced that future firmwares for their 3D printers would have an authorization and authentication mechanism.
}}

On January 16, 2025, the 3D-printer manufacturer '''[[Bambu Lab]]''' announced that future firmwares for their 3D printers would introduce an authorization and authentication protection mechanism for their connection and control, [[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers|in the name of security]]. This mechanism restricts the use of third-party accessories and slicers, such as Panda Touch and OrcaSlicer.
==Controversy regarding firmware updates==
[[File:Bambu tos screenshot.png|alt=bambu terms stating print jobs may not function properly if update is not performed to new firmware which is highly limiting. |thumb|Bambu terms regarding printer functionality & potential for disrupted print jobs if users do not update to a new firmware that radically restricts the autonomy of the owner of the printer]]

===Potential for remote disabling of printers===
A significant concern raised by the community revolves around the wording in Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] (ToS) and firmware update announcements. Critics and users argue that the phrasing leaves open the possibility for the manufacturer to [[Remote disabling|remotely disable]] printers that are not updated to the latest firmware. Specifically, Bambu Lab's ToS<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-24 |title=Terms of Use |url=https://bambulab.com/en-us/policies/terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/vPu9I |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bambu Lab]]}}</ref> states that printers '''"may block new print jobs"''' if updates are not applied, which some users interpret as a potential pathway for forced obsolescence.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2">{{Cite web |last=Bambu Kidd |date=2025-01-16 |title=Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System |url=https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/qwL63 |archive-date=2026-03-07 |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Blog}}</ref> While defenders of Bambu Lab point out that offline modes such as SD-card printing and [[wikipedia:Local_area_network|LAN]]-only setups would remain functional, others point out that the ToS do not explicitly limit this restriction to [[Cloud (service)|cloud]]-based printing. This ambiguity has led to speculation that Bambu Lab could enforce broader limitations, effectively rendering printers inoperable for users who choose not to update.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=@nickjohnson |title=Bambu Lab reserves the right to brick your printer until you update the firmware |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119220606/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Old [[Reddit]]}}</ref>

====Editing of initial announcement====
Bambu users were concerned they would not be able to use their printer if they did not install this update, due to the wording of the blog and the ToS.<ref>[[:File:Bambu tos screenshot.png]]</ref> This caused confusion since users report that Bambu's blog post dated January 16th<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" /> specifically says the following:
<blockquote>What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?

You may continue using an older firmware version that does not include the new security updates; however, this means the printers may miss out on important security fixes or bug patches included in newer versions. We highly encourage updating to the latest firmware version for the best experience and enhanced security.</blockquote>However, '''this was not present on the day of the announcement.''' A snapshot of their webpage from archive.is demonstrates this section did not exist on the day of the announcement, when community members voiced their concerns.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" /><ref>[[:File:2024-01-16-Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System.pdf]]</ref> Bambu's response to community feedback<ref>{{Cite web |last=@Spaghetti Monster |date=20 Jan 2025 |title=Updates and Third-Party Integration with Bambu Connect |url=https://blog.bambulab.com/updates-and-third-party-integration-with-bambu-connect/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/cIejw |archive-date=2026-03-30 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Blog}}</ref> references ''"social media posts spreading baseless allegations and untrue claims about Bambu Lab",'' including ''"Firmware updates will block your printer’s ability to print.",'' without mentioning the context for those allegations. The context for those allegations was the lack of inclusion of the ''"What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?"'' in Bambu's initial announcement alongside their stated terms of service.

This announcement, after the edit in question, clearly states in the header - '''''Updated: January 17, 2025''' - to include additional details and FAQs where the '''What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?''' among others was added.''

As per webpage oldest snapshot from '''archive.is'''<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-22">{{Cite web |last=@BambuKidd |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System |url=https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/qwL63 |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Blog}}</ref> dated 16 Jan 2025 17:31 UTC there are two references if choosing to stay on the old firmware:<blockquote>

==== Important Information for End Users ====
2. Old Firmware Option:
Users who decide to use an older firmware version can still use the previous or new versions of Bambu Studio and Bambu Handy without restrictions.
</blockquote>
Statement reads that user can choose to stay on the previous firmware and will not be punished for their choice by exclusion from access of first party updated software tools.<blockquote>
==== Information for OrcaSlicer users ====
 1. You can continue using your X Series 3D printer with the older firmware version (which does not include Authorization Features). 
2. If you choose to upgrade to the firmware version with Authorization Features, you must download and install Bambu Connect (a printer control software)... 
</blockquote>
Statement reads that users have the right of choice to upgrade or stay on the older firmware.

While FAQ section was added after the initial blog post publication:
*It appears to summarize unedited information available in the original article.
*Addition of the FAQ section, and as a result - editing the initial article, are clearly announced.

===Debate over "bricking" terminology===
''The debate has also "''extended to the definition of 'bricking':" Some community members assert that if a printer is unable to accept new print jobs without an update, it effectively becomes non-functional and qualifies as being "bricked." Others counter that as long as certain offline functionalities remain (such as SD-card printing) the term does not accurately apply.<ref name=":3" />

===Privacy policy issues===
Bambu Lab's privacy policy, under "Personal Data that we collect," explicitly states: "3D Model in each client ('Printing Files') and other information related to the print job we may store, including start times, finish times, filament consumption and other relevant information."<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=25 Mar 2025 |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://bambulab.com/en-us/policies/privacy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/0XOv5 |archive-date=2026-03-10 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bambu Lab]]}}</ref> This contradicts their claim that they do not monitor 3D prints. Additionally, the privacy policy webpage is notably excluded from the Wayback Machine, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in their data practices.<ref name=":6" />

===Community strategies to deal with risks===
Users have discussed strategies to avoid possible disruptions, including:
*Operating printers exclusively in offline modes.
*Utilizing LAN connections or VPN setups: this requires an access key from the printer (previously, you could use your cloud credentials over LAN).
*Exploring alternative firmware or third-party scripts to restore full functionality.<ref name=":3" />

==Bambu Lab's justification and rebuttal==
Bambu Lab has stated that the authorization system is in place in order to protect against "remote hacks," "printer exposure," and "abnormal traffic or attacks." There are, however, several ways to mitigate these risks without the loss of user control that their system causes:

*'''The "remote hacks" that were cited as an example in the article seem to be a direct result of the 3D-printer vendor not responding properly to a reported security vulnerability in their product.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cluley |first=Graham |date=1 Mar 2024 |title=Someone is hacking 3D printers to warn owners of a security flaw |url=https://www.bitdefender.com/en-au/blog/hotforsecurity/someone-is-hacking-3d-printers-to-warn-owners-of-a-security-flaw?ref=blog.bambulab.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216002646/https://www.bitdefender.com/en-au/blog/hotforsecurity/someone-is-hacking-3d-printers-to-warn-owners-of-a-security-flaw?ref=blog.bambulab.com |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bitdefender]]}}</ref> Therefore, in order to get attention, the researcher decided to infect machines and display a harmless message to spread publicity.''' Properly responding to security vulnerabilities, working to patch them quickly, and working with the security community (who would be more than happy to help secure products) would be some ways to prevent this.
*In the article cited about printer exposure, the hack was carried out largely because of user misconfiguration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ms. Smith |date=5 Sep 2018 |title=Over 3,700 exposed 3D printers open to remote attackers |url=https://www.csoonline.com/article/566223/over-3700-exposed-3d-printers-open-to-remote-attackers.html?ref=blog.bambulab.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216002556/https://www.csoonline.com/article/566223/over-3700-exposed-3d-printers-open-to-remote-attackers.html?ref=blog.bambulab.com |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[CSO]]}}</ref> Printer exposure can be mitigated by offering more convenient ways to securely expose printers to the internet, so that users are not tempted to allow unauthenticated access over the network.
*The "abnormal traffic" can be mitigated by steps Bambu has already put in place, as detailed in their own article on the matter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Summary of Security Incident Responses and Abnormal Cloud Traffic |url=https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/security-incidents-cloud-traffic?ref=blog.bambulab.com |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Wiki}}</ref>
*"Other malicious devices in the LAN" can be partially mitigated by steps Bambu has already put in place, as detailed in their own article on the matter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@SpaghettiMonster |date=25 Nov 2022 |title=Answering network security concerns for our printers |url=https://blog.bambulab.com/answering-network-security-concerns/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/CE0Ii |archive-date=2026-03-30 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Blog}}</ref> Another mitigation is to add stronger authentication mechanisms, rather than using a weak pre-shared LAN access code as is currently the case.

==Issues with LAN mode requiring authorization==
[[File:Bambu Connect App - Lan Device Discovery without Bambu Login.png|thumb|Bambu Connect App - Lan Device Discovery without Bambu Login]]
Bambu Lab printers have the ability to be controlled over both cloud and LAN. This allowed users to integrate their printers into private networks and maintain full control without having to rely on the manufacturer's server while also allowing cloud access. The new authorization system mandates that even LAN-based operations must go through an authentication process using Bambu Connect to retain full control.<ref name="bambu-connect">{{Cite web |last=@Nil.lin |title=Bambu Connect (beta) |url=https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/software/bambu-connect |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/CVCtK |archive-date=2026-03-30 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Wiki}}</ref> Full local access is still possible and unchanged for those not using the cloud.

This change has drawn criticism for many reasons:
*'''Privacy concerns''': Requiring authentication for LAN mode raises concerns about data being unnecessarily exposed to Bambu Lab's servers, even for local-only operations, though previously, the printer was also connected and could be controlled by the cloud even when sending prints locally.
**Confidentiality required by US Law - This is in conflict with those that have to comply with 18 CFR § 3a.61, 32 CFR § 117.15, 32 CFR § 2001.47, and other restrictions.
*'''Loss of offline independence while also using cloud''': Before, users could have hybrid offline setups. The requirement for authentication removes this option unless users revert to older firmware versions; Bambu Lab initially indicated rollback would not be permitted, though The Verge later reported that users could still downgrade and use LAN access keys while signed into the cloud.
*'''Increased complexity''': The added authentication layer complicates workflows for users who built custom setups or relied on third-party integrations for LAN control while retaining cloud functionality.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=@edlboston |date=Jan 2023 |title=Full Non-Cloud Based Network Option Needed |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/1ee4F |archive-date=2026-03-30 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Community Forum |quote=Yes, I know about the LAN mode. But as has been stated by many people, things like the camera will not work, nor will the Handy app. There is no technical reason that these are bound to the cloud. This is the problem and why I titled this FULL Non-Cloud Network.}}</ref>

*LAN-Only mode in Orca Slicer is implemented by passing API Calls to the installed proprietary Bambu Network Plug-In (unlike BTT and other solutions that did indeed communicate with printer directly via MQTT protocol).
*Plug-In provides controls for Printers "Critical Operations" (as classified by the Firmware Announcement article) and displays these controls within the window of Orca Slicer.
*Using intermediary Plug-In does not manifest as "direct access through network plugin". It is still a Proxy communication, even if user experience is presented as direct communication (same slicer window).
*Bambu Connect moves the Network Plug-In functionality outside of the window of Orca Slicer thus appearing as separate window and presents the appearance of "indirect" communication channel to the printer.
*While the user experience is different, the flow remains unchanged Orca Slicer slices model -> Orca Slicer Calls API of Bambu Proprietary Software -> Bambu Proprietary Software controls the printer.

Additionally, Bambu Connect software (downloaded and installed on 19.01.2024 (2025?) before the backlash response) supports adding LAN-Only printers without requiring Bambu Account authentication, the same behavior as the Network Plugin used in Orca Slicer.

===Precedents and comparisons===
Critics have likened this potential functionality to similar cases in other industries where manufacturers remotely restrict product features. A documented example is [[HP]]'s printer firmware updates that [[HP Instant Ink|rendered third-party ink cartridges unusable]], which became the subject of a class-action settlement.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=2025-03-19 |title=HP avoids monetary damages over bricked printers in class-action settlement |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/hp-avoids-monetary-damages-over-bricked-printers-in-class-action-settlement/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250319231817/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/hp-avoids-monetary-damages-over-bricked-printers-in-class-action-settlement/ |archive-date=2025-03-19 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

===X1E firmware 01.01.02.00 LAN only connection "BUG"===
Newly received X1E printers with firmware 01.01.02.00 will not connect to the Bambu Studio using the Lan only method password. Bambu Studio identifies the un-logged printer but will not allow a connection to the printer. Only after connection / account paring is done over the Bambu Handy app by giving internet access to the PC and Printer then utilizing the cloud service connection will Lan only communication and login work.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=Sep 2024 |title=Connect X1E to stand-alone computer |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/connect-x1e-to-stand-alone-computer/101474 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033045/https://forum.bambulab.com/t/connect-x1e-to-stand-alone-computer/101474 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Community Forum}}</ref>

==Implementation timeline and requirements==

The authorization system will be rolled out in phases, starting with the X1 series printers. A beta firmware (version 01.08.03.00) was released on January 17, 2025, with the full release scheduled for January 23, 2025. The P & A series printers will get similar updates at an unspecified future date.

To use printers with the new authorization system, users must update multiple pieces of software:
*Bambu Studio must be updated to version 01.10.02.64 or higher
*Bambu Handy mobile app must be updated to version 2.17.0 or higher
*The new Bambu Connect application must be installed for using third-party slicers

These software updates are mandatory for users who update their firmware. Failing to update all components simultaneously will result in certain printer controls becoming unusable. Users who choose to maintain third-party software compatibility can continue using older firmware versions, or downgrade the firmware for new printers that ship with the authorization system pre-installed.

Bambu Lab states these coordinated updates are necessary because the new authorization system fundamentally changes how the printer validates and accepts commands. The older versions of Bambu Studio and Bambu Handy lack the authentication mechanisms required to interact with printers running the new firmware. The Bambu Connect application was created specifically to provide a controlled interface for third-party software, replacing the previous direct access through network plugins.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" />

==Impact on third-party integration and user choice==

===Changes to third-party access===
The new authorization system replaces direct network API access with a more limited URL-based interface through Bambu Connect. Third-party software can only interact with the printer by sending specific URL commands to Bambu Connect.<ref name="bambu-connect" /> The interface requires three parameters:

*<code>path</code>: The absolute file system path to the 3MF file (e.g., /tmp/cube.gcode.3mf)
*<code>name</code>: The name of the file (e.g., Cube)
*<code>version</code>: A fixed value of 1.0.0 for compatibility

A complete command must be formatted as:

bambu-connect://import-file?path=%2Ftmp%2Fcube.gcode.3mf&name=Cube&version=1.0.0

This interface only allows basic file transfer and print initiation. All other printer-control functions previously available to third-party software are now exclusive to Bambu's own applications. The path and name parameters must be URL-encoded using encodeURIComponent or equivalent functions<ref name="bambu-connect" />.

===Reduced home-automation capabilities===
While basic status monitoring remains available (e.g., print-progress updates in Home Assistant), the new firmware removes the ability for home-automation systems to control printer functions. Users can no longer:
*Start or stop prints remotely using Home Assistant, BTT Panda Touch,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=@BIGTREETECH |date=2025-01-17 |title=BIGTREETECH's post |url=https://www.facebook.com/BIGTREETECH/posts/pfbid0SNZGxvf7NRdmyVgHf6y9yNedNbU2RrCfdT8gugTSD4AYfr5BHneNF9H1EbwyYiJEl |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004104021/https://www.facebook.com/BIGTREETECH/posts/pfbid0SNZGxvf7NRdmyVgHf6y9yNedNbU2RrCfdT8gugTSD4AYfr5BHneNF9H1EbwyYiJEl |archive-date=2025-10-04 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=[[Facebook]]}}</ref> or other third-party accessories or software interfaces
*Control printer temperatures or cooling
*Automate printer behaviors based on sensor data or events
*Access camera feeds through third-party applications<ref name="bambulab-forum-135400/9">{{Cite web |last=@hho |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=This new auth system will make me sell my printers |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400/9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/ro1KZ |archive-date=2026-03-30 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Community Forum}}</ref>

===Permanent nature of the update===
Once a printer is updated to the new firmware, users can still revert to previous versions that allows full control of the printer using LAN mode access key while signed into the cloud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=22 Jan 2025 |title=Here’s what Bambu will — and won’t — promise after its controversial 3D printer update |url=https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/21/24349031/bambu-3d-printer-update-authentication-filament-subscription-lock-answers |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251122143504/https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/21/24349031/bambu-3d-printer-update-authentication-filament-subscription-lock-answers |archive-date=22 Nov 2025}}</ref> The option still exists to disable the cloud service.

The manufacturer states this change is required for security, but community members note that many of the security vulnerabilities being addressed stem from Bambu's own cloud-centric design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control<ref name="bambulab-forum-134549/12">{{Cite web |date=14 Jan 2025 |title=Bambu Studio 1.10.2 Public Beta |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/u4vpc |archive-date=2026-03-30 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Community Forum}}</ref>. The update forces users into using Bambu Connect middleware if they want to retain limited cloud functionality.

This can be characterised as a significant post-purchase reduction in functionality for existing owners who bought their printers with the understanding they could use third-party software and home-automation tools, but also only affects users actively choosing to use Bambu Cloud at the same time. The nature of the printer update is used to demonstrate how manufacturers can use software updates to unilaterally modify the capabilities of hardware products after purchase, although in this case the changes affect only people already choosing to use the cloud service<ref name=":4" />.

For users that would want to use a third-party slicer while using their cloud service, Bambu would require those users to download and install Bambu Connect in order to send gcode wirelessly over LAN or over the cloud. While Bambu claims that they were in contact with SoftFever, the developer of OrcaSlicer, as of writing, SoftFever still does not have any keys for Bambu Connect and the new firmware is only available as opt-in beta at the moment.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=@fever_soft |date=18 Jan 2025 |title=This is definitely a bummer. I was negotiating for an authorization key to allow OrcaSlicer to communicate with their device like BambuStudio does, but today I was told they won't support this. Only their slicer can send prints directly; others must use their Bambu Connect application |url=https://x.com/fever_soft/status/1880630570809795034?t=qJyh4SGFZFllcYrqexGW-Q |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[X]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004104021/https://x.com/fever_soft/status/1880630570809795034?t=qJyh4SGFZFllcYrqexGW-Q |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

==Impact on functionality==
While some functionality remains unauthenticated like in previous firmware versions (sending status information from the printer over the network, starting a print job using SD cards), the most important features now require authentication through a new closed-source client called Bambu Connect<ref name="bambu-connect" />. These restricted features include:

*Initializing prints via LAN or cloud mode
*Remote video access to monitor prints
*Controlling motion system, temperature, fans
*AMS settings and calibrations
*Home automation integration beyond basic status monitoring

Previously, third-party software such as OrcaSlicer<ref name="orca-slicer-issue8063">{{Cite web |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=FW 1.08.03.00 from Bambu WILL BREAK ORCASLICER for X, P and A series #8063 |url=https://github.com/SoftFever/OrcaSlicer/issues/8063 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192842/https://github.com/SoftFever/OrcaSlicer/issues/8063 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[GitHub]]}}</ref> could interact with Bambu Lab printers via the open-source Bambu Studio and proprietary network plug-ins. While Bambu Connect provides a limited URL-based API to initiate prints, most functionality previously openly available is now restricted to Bambu's ecosystem<ref name="bambulab-forum-135400/9" />.

Previously, third-party accessories such as Panda Touch would allow users to control their printers with a standalone device. Panda Touch was especially popular amongst P series printer owners since P series printers contain a monochromatic screen with a D-pad by default for printer control whereas Panda Touch is a full-color touch screen that had a small battery so that way users could reposition and detach their Panda Touch off their printers if needed. Users would be able to queue up jobs, jog printer motors, and connect to multiple printers at once in order to monitor print jobs. According to Big Tree Tech (BTT), the manufacturer of the Panda Touch, they urge users of Panda Touch not to update firmware any further since doing so would foreseeably permanently break compatibility with users' printers and their Panda Touch. <ref name=":0" />

==Communication with Panda Touch developers==

As of writing, no formal communication has happened between Big Tree Tech (BTT), the manufacturer and developer of Panda Touch, and Bambu Labs. Based on their Facebook announcement, BTT stated that they have reached out to Bambu and will update if Bambu responds to their correspondence<ref name=":0" />.

==Communication with OrcaSlicer developers==

Before the official announcement of the new authorization and authentication, Bambu Lab engaged with the OrcaSlicer development team regarding the changes. This communication has sparked discussion within the 3D-printing community, particularly regarding its timing, tone, and implications.

===Pre-announcement contact===
Reports from OrcaSlicer demonstrate that Bambu Lab provided limited advance notice of the changes that would render their software incompatible with Bambu printers running the new firmware. The communication emphasized:
*The introduction of Bambu Connect as the only supported method for interacting with third-party slicers.
*The discontinuation of the network plugin API that OrcaSlicer and other tools relied on for printer control<ref name="orca-slicer-issue8063" />.
*An invitation for OrcaSlicer developers to adapt their software to integrate with the Bambu Connect URL scheme.

The communication lacked the detailed technical documentation that would be necessary for developers to be able to work with the new requirements.

===How the community viewed these actions===
This approach has been interpreted by many as a calculated move by Bambu Lab to enforce tighter control over its ecosystem. Primary criticisms of Bambu were:
*'''Lack of transparency''': The limited warning given to OrcaSlicer developers indicates that Bambu Lab's internal rollout schedule preceded community engagement with existing customers. Point to the contrary: the new firmware is in beta and Bambu Connect middleware contains temporary compromises to allow third-party slicers to work as before.
*'''Lack of follow-through:''' As of writing, SoftFever, OrcaSlicer's lead developer, still does not have API keys for Bambu Connect, a necessary layer of Bambu software that would need to be integrated into OrcaSlicer. Bambu's original announcement prominently mentioned OrcaSlicer and gave the impression that Bambu is actively providing the necessary assets so that SoftFever would be able to implement the new software architecture so that OrcaSlicer users are able to still use OrcaSlicer to send gcode to their printers without needing Bambu Connect to be installed as a separate program. The lack of active cooperation does not reflect favorably upon Bambu as it seems like their announcement used OrcaSlicer's name to try to make it seem like Bambu is trying its best to make sure that developers have what they need, but in reality, their inaction seems to show that Bambu is not making a sincere attempt to ensure that OrcaSlicer remains supported<ref name=":1" />.
*'''Disregard for open-source collaboration''': OrcaSlicer is widely used in the community; it is an open-source effort to improve the 3D-printing experience for all customers. The decision to restrict network APIs in favor of proprietary systems such as Bambu Connect removes customer choice in how the printer is operated.
*'''Token support for third-party tools''': While Bambu Connect provides a workaround for third-party slicer use, it significantly restricts functionality and complicates workflows, leading many to question the sincerity of Bambu's stated support for open-source tools<ref name="bambu-connect" />.
*'''Power imbalance''': As the hardware manufacturer, Bambu Lab has the ability to dictate how its products can be used; often to the detriment of third-party developers and users.

==Community-driven workarounds and technical alternatives==

The 3D-printing community has begun exploring potential workarounds to restore functionality and user autonomy. These efforts focus on bypassing or mitigating the limitations imposed by the firmware update.

===Custom firmware development===
Discussions within the community highlight interest in developing custom firmware as an alternative to Bambu's official updates. One prominent project mentioned in forums is the development of custom firmware for the X1-series printers, such as the "X1Plus Custom Firmware"<ref name="bambulab-forum-134549/12" />. This firmware aims to:
*Restore direct network control and third-party slicer compatibility.
*Re-enable previously available features such as motion-system adjustments, temperature control, and AMS settings without requiring proprietary software.
*Provide users with greater flexibility in integrating printers with home-automation systems and workflows.

However, custom firmware development faces several challenges, including:
*Limited documentation and proprietary hardware components, which complicate reverse-engineering efforts.
*The potential voiding of warranties and risks of bricking devices.
*Legal concerns regarding intellectual property and bypassing manufacturer-imposed restrictions.

==Backup of current third party access enabled firmware and network plugins==
This GitHub repository contains a backup of all the latest firmware released by Bambu Labs for their printers and of the network plugin used by slicers such as Orca Slicer to communicate with the printer: https://github.com/Tzeny/bambulabs_plugins_firmware.

==LAN mode and blocked internet access==
At the time of writing user Tzeny15 on reddit, has authored a five step guide to blocking internet access for the Bambu P1S as a precaution in case the manufacturer attempts to limit functionality for printers without the newest firmware.<ref> {{Cite web |last=@Tzeny15 |title=LAN mode with live view, remote monitoring+control and blocked internet access - a five step guide |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i4vp5i/lan_mode_with_live_view_remote_monitoringcontrol/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250310115818/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i4vp5i/lan_mode_with_live_view_remote_monitoringcontrol/ |archive-date=10 Mar 2025}}</ref>

[[Bambu Lab LAN mode guide|Read the full guide here.]]

==Reverse engineering Bambu Connect==
{{:Reverse Engineering Bambu Connect}}

''[[Reverse Engineering Bambu Connect|Read more about reverse engineering Bambu Connect here.]]''

==Community tools and scripts==
In addition to firmware alternatives, some users have come up with custom scripts and software tools to interface with Bambu Lab printers indirectly. These tools often rely on:
*Reverse-engineering the URL-based commands required by Bambu Connect to enable partial functionality with third-party slicers like OrcaSlicer.
*Creating local server emulations to replicate the network API previously available before the update.

While these tools provide temporary solutions, they do not fully replace the open ecosystem that existed before the authorization update.

===Re-engineering printer-control electronics===
ChazLayyd's Bambu Lab Klipper Conversion project is currently in an incomplete stage<ref>{{Cite web |last=@ChazLayyd |title=Running Klipper on a Bambu Lab machine by replacing it's internal electronics with readily available open-source hardware. |url=https://github.com/ChazLayyd/Bambu-Lab-Klipper-Conversion |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=GitHub |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116182420/https://github.com/ChazLayyd/Bambu-Lab-Klipper-Conversion |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DhazLayyd's Discord Community |url=https://discord.com/invite/W6B5mBejuC |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033213/https://discord.com/invite/W6B5mBejuC |archive-date=2026-02-23 |website=[[Discord]]}}</ref>. While the project was not made in response to Bambu's announcement, there has been a wave of new public interest in this specific project. ChazLayyd's documentation instructs P1S owners to non-destructively remove the old control electronics that run Bambu's proprietary software and instructs P1S owners to install off-the-shelf control components so that the existing motor connectors and other critical electronics can communicate with the newly-installed off-the-shelf control components.

===Advocacy for open-ecosystem support===
Community members have also organized to advocate for open-source support and rollback options. Suggestions include:
*Allowing an opt-out option for existing users who prefer local network control without cloud dependency.
**This has always been possible; past firmware updates made signing into the cloud at any point unnecessary. This information continues to be ignored by some.
*Providing an official API for third-party slicers under specific licensing agreements that allow secure authorized usage.<ref name="orca-slicer-issue8063" />

===Alternative software to prevent auto update(tells the server its version 99+ for now)===
Currently X1Plus a OPEN SOURCE custom firmware version for Bambu Labs printers(more details on the GitHub page)

*Installation tutorials are available for users who have not yet updated. Installing third-party firmware will void the warranty. Users are advised to consult the GitHub documentation before installation.
*https://github.com/X1Plus/X1Plus
*The Bambu Labs website offers consumers the ability to request a rootable firmware to be sent to their printers. At the time of writing (Jan 26, 2025), the feature (in the EU at least) is broken such that you cannot finalize the process of requesting such a firmware. Ref: https://bambulab.com/en-eu/third-party-firmware/plan
**The result of accepting the terms of the page titled "Third Party Firmware Plan Guideline" and clicking "Next" takes you to a page titled "Important Notice and Risk Warning" which, when accepting the terms leaves you with an "I got it" button that takes you back to the previous page.

==Cease and desist against the OrcaSlicer-bambulab re-enablement project==

In April 2026, Bambu Lab sent a cease and desist communication to the developer of a third-party OrcaSlicer fork that had restored direct printer control after the Authorization Control System rollout. The project was wiped from public view the same day it appeared, and the developer published a summary of Bambu Lab's allegations but not the letter itself, citing Bambu Lab's refusal to authorize publication.<ref name="jarczak-readme">{{Cite web |last=Jarczak |first=Pawel |title=OrcaSlicer-bambulab — This is the end…. |url=https://github.com/jarczakpawel/OrcaSlicer-bambulab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260430001537/https://github.com/jarczakpawel/OrcaSlicer-bambulab |archive-date=30 Apr 2026 |access-date=4 May 2026 |website=[[GitHub]]}}</ref>

===What OrcaSlicer is===
OrcaSlicer is a free, open-source slicer: a program that converts a 3D model file into the layer-by-layer instructions (G-code) a 3D printer needs to produce the physical object. It is maintained by the developer SoftFever and draws from Bambu Lab's Bambu Studio, which is itself a fork of Prusa Research's PrusaSlicer.<ref name="softfever-orcaslicer">{{Cite web |last=SoftFever |title=OrcaSlicer |url=https://github.com/SoftFever/OrcaSlicer |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2026 |website=[[GitHub]]}}</ref> OrcaSlicer is widely used by owners of Bambu Lab printers as an alternative to Bambu Studio.<ref name="softfever-orcaslicer" /><ref name="xda-jarczak">{{Cite web |last=Batt |first=Simon |date=23 Apr 2026 |title=A developer restored OrcaSlicer's features that Bambu Lab killed — then the legal threats arrived |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/developer-restored-orcaslicers-features-bambu-lab-killed-legal-threats-arrived/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260427233833/https://www.xda-developers.com/developer-restored-orcaslicers-features-bambu-lab-killed-legal-threats-arrived/ |archive-date=27 Apr 2026 |access-date=4 May 2026 |website=XDA Developers}}</ref>

===What changed in January 2025===
The Authorization Control System announced on January 16, 2025 gated print initiation, motion control, fan and hotend temperature control, AMS configuration, calibrations, remote video, and firmware upgrade behind a Bambu-issued authentication path. Owners who installed the new firmware could no longer send print jobs from third-party slicers directly over the local network; they had to route those jobs through a new closed-source middleware, Bambu Connect.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" /> SoftFever was not given API keys for Bambu Connect and stated publicly that direct print sending from OrcaSlicer would not be supported going forward.<ref name=":1" />

===The OrcaSlicer-bambulab fork===
On April 23, 2026, the developer Pawel Jarczak (GitHub user <code>jarczakpawel</code>) made public a fork named OrcaSlicer-bambulab at <code>github.com/jarczakpawel/OrcaSlicer-bambulab</code>. The fork restored the ability to send print jobs from OrcaSlicer directly to Bambu Lab printers without routing through Bambu Connect.<ref name="xda-jarczak" /> According to Jarczak's own description, the fork worked by reaching the printer through a Linux-side workflow Bambu Lab had not yet disabled, and was built on publicly available Bambu Studio source code combined with the developer's own integration layer; it did not redistribute Bambu Lab's proprietary networking plugin binaries.<ref name="jarczak-readme" /><ref name="3druck-jarczak">{{Cite web |date=30 Apr 2026 |title=Developer ends OrcaSlicer fork after Bambu Lab threatens legal action |url=https://3druck.com/en/programs/developer-terminates-orcaslicer-fork-after-bambu-lab-threatens-to-sue-32156744/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2026 |website=3Druck.com}}</ref>

===The cease and desist===
Bambu Lab contacted Jarczak directly and demanded removal of the fork. According to Jarczak's own first-person account, Bambu Lab "referred to legal materials and stated that a cease and desist letter had been prepared", and alleged that the implementation "impersonated Bambu Studio, bypassed their authorization controls, violated their Terms of Use, involved 'reverse engineering', and could allow modified forks to send arbitrary commands to printers."<ref name="jarczak-readme" /> Jarczak rejected the reverse-engineering characterization, stating that his work was based on publicly available Bambu Studio source code, which Bambu Lab releases under the AGPL-3.0 license.<ref name="jarczak-readme" /><ref name="3druck-jarczak" /> Jarczak disputed the broader characterization and asked for specifics: the exact files or commits at issue, and the exact legal or contractual basis. He reports receiving "further broad accusations" instead of that specificity.<ref name="jarczak-readme" /> Bambu Lab refused consent for publication of the correspondence itself, and Jarczak elected to honor that refusal while retaining the letter.<ref name="jarczak-readme" /> The repository was wiped the same day it appeared.<ref name="jarczak-readme" /><ref name="xda-jarczak" /> Jarczak removed the contents voluntarily and stated this was a practical decision, not an admission that the legal or technical allegations were correct.<ref name="jarczak-readme" /> XDA Developers reported that Bambu Lab had not responded to its request for comment as of publication.<ref name="xda-jarczak" /> 3Druck independently confirmed the same set of allegations, citing Jarczak's GitHub statement.<ref name="3druck-jarczak" />

The publicly documented allegations track Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] and an "authorization bypass" framing.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="jarczak-readme" /> Because the letter itself was not made public, no primary source confirms which specific statute, if any, Bambu Lab invoked; neither Jarczak's account nor the secondary reporting names a specific statute, including the [[DMCA Section 1201|DMCA §1201]] anti-circumvention provision, as part of Bambu Lab's claim. The upstream OrcaSlicer maintainer SoftFever was not named in the cease and desist, has issued no public statement on the fork or the letter, and the upstream repository remains active.<ref name="softfever-orcaslicer" />

===Consumer-rights significance===
Bambu Lab printer owners had paid for hardware that, at the time of purchase, allowed third-party slicers to send print jobs directly over their own local network. The January 2025 firmware update removed that capability for owners who installed the update.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" /> When an independent developer rebuilt the lost capability on top of source code Bambu Lab itself publishes, the company's response was a private legal threat rather than a technical or contractual remedy that the affected owners could read or contest.<ref name="jarczak-readme" /> The developer took the project down and stated he had "no interest in maintaining a prolonged dispute".<ref name="jarczak-readme" />

==Impact on professional users and privacy concerns==

===Impact on professional users and print farms===
The restrictions imposed by the new authorization system create operational challenges for professional users who kept their printers signed into the cloud:

*Print farms can no longer use custom automation systems to manage multiple printers
*Workflows built around third-party software have to be completely redesigned
*The requirement to manually export and import files through Bambu Connect creates additional labor
*Integration with existing business systems and workflows becomes more difficult or impossible
*Professional users with more than 20 printers report the new workflow as "an absolute nightmare"<ref>{{Cite web |last=@drakko |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=This new auth system will make me sell my printers |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400/3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/yVBw8 |archive-date=2026-03-30 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Community Forum |quote=Oh, the beta version. Luckily, I don’t allow new firmware on my machine, not until I see multiple validations from trustworthy users. So, in this respect I’m safe. Also, I never trust a beta version, no matter how reliable the releaser is.
Thx for the clarification @Square3D . Appreciated.}}</ref>
The solution to the above is not to sign the printer into the cloud. Keeping the printer signed in would be a security oversight in this use case on the part of the print farm.

===Privacy and data-collection concerns===

The shift toward mandatory use of Bambu's software ecosystem raises several privacy and data collection concerns:

*All printer operations must now pass through Bambu's cloud infrastructure when using cloud mode
*User print data, including file names and print settings, becomes visible to Bambu when cloud is used
*Operational data is processed through Bambu's servers while on a different network. The camera feed, on the other hand, is always peer-to-peer.
*Users have limited visibility into how their data is collected, stored, and used in the cloud
*The system creates dependence on Bambu's cloud services availability for basic printer functionality<ref name=":4" />

While Bambu Lab maintains that cloud processing is necessary for security and functionality, community members argue this represents unnecessary data collection that could be handled locally<ref name="bambulab-forum-134549/12" />. The company's cloud infrastructure costs are significant, leading some users to speculate that future monetization of the cloud services may be planned<ref name="bambulab-forum-3643/5">{{Cite web |last=@NeverDie |date=Jan 2025 |title=Full Non-Cloud Based Network Option Needed |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/1ee4F |archive-date=2026-03-30 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Bambu Lab Community Forum |quote=I’m not disagreeing, but as a short-term workaround, are you able to write the print files to an SD card and then print from that? I’m too new to have tried it myself, but I thought that was at least an option.}}</ref>. Therefore, people should assess if their use case mandates the use of the cloud service and disable it when it doesn't.

Users who do not want their print data routed through Bambu's cloud infrastructure can operate their printers in LAN-only mode.

==Customer reactions==

Customer reactions have been overwhelmingly negative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@hho |date=15 Jan 2025 |title=Bambu Studio 1.10.2 Public Beta |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/ahrz6 |archive-date=2026-03-30 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Community Forum |quote=Improvements Introduce authorization and authentication protection mechanism: Bambu Studio now supports signing and encrypting control commands sent to printers when the printer supports authorization and authentication protection. The printer will determine whether the commands can be executed. Hmmm. This reads suspiciously vague. It could mean that Bambu printers get an onboard permission handling, so that you can “lock down” your printer and set what commands can be run. But it could also mean that Bambu printers in (or of?) the future will only run Gcode encrypted and signed by Bambu Studio…}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=@iranintoavan |title=Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i2psvz/firmware_update_introducing_new_authorization/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250403012526/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i2psvz/firmware_update_introducing_new_authorization/ |archive-date=3 Apr 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Old [[Reddit]]}}</ref> Bambu Lab has historically pushed cloud-based printer interaction while offering limited LAN mode functionality<ref name=":4" />. Many customers argue that the security issues this locked-down firmware claims to address are actually consequences of the company's cloud-based design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control,<ref name="bambulab-forum-134549/12" /> which continues to infuriate users who are now told that security is the justification for a loss of freedom. As a result of the announcement of the shift, customer ratings on sites like Trustpilot rapidly dropped,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bambu Lab |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bambulab.com?sort=recency |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119162028/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bambulab.com?sort=recency |archive-date=2025-01-19 |website=[[Trustpilot]]}}</ref> with many reviews citing the restrictions as the reason for the bad reviews.

The shift raises privacy concerns as the restricted LAN mode functionality will now push more users into Bambu's cloud infrastructure for processing user print data, including file names and print settings.

Many community members and customers ask whether the significant costs of maintaining and deploying this cloud infrastructure might lead to future monetization of these now-mandatory services,<ref name="bambulab-forum-3643/5" /> with subscriptions required for features that once worked with local access.

So far, '''no changes have been made or indicated for those not using the cloud service'''. Past firmware updates made it possible to avoid using the cloud service completely by allowing pairing the slicer via IP address and access key and doing offline firmware updates without having to sign the printer into the service, not even temporarily, keeping local functionality unchanged.

==Comparisons to similar practices by other companies==

Bambu Lab's new authorization and authentication requirements have been compared to a number of practices by traditional printer manufacturers, such as [[HP]] or [[Epson]], who have also faced backlash around their handling of [[digital rights management]] (DRM){{Citation needed}}. These comparisons address:
*'''Forced updates''': Firmware updates have rendered third-party ink cartridges incompatible, forcing users to purchase proprietary consumables.
*'''Restricted features''': Scanner/printer combos that will not scan if the ink is empty.
*'''Consumer backlash''': Users criticized these updates as anti-consumer, with some pursuing {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuits]] for deceptive practices.<ref name=":5" />

Like 2D printers, Bambu Lab's update restricts functionality previously available to users and pushes them toward proprietary software and cloud-based control.

A parallel specific to the 3D-printing industry can also be drawn from the now-defunct 3D-printer manufacturer [[MakerBot]], whose shift from open-source, DIY-focused machines in 2012 to closed-source, proprietary machines (similarly to Bambu Labs), ultimately drove customers to less-expensive, open-source competitors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benchoff |first=Brian |date=28 Apr 2016 |title=The MakerBot Obituary |url=https://hackaday.com/2016/04/28/the-makerbot-obituary/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208222057/https://hackaday.com/2016/04/28/the-makerbot-obituary/ |archive-date=8 Dec 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Hackaday]]}}</ref> MakerBot was also accused of asserting ownership over publicly available, open-source designs uploaded to its 3D print repository, Thingiverse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Biggs |first=John |date=28 May 2014 |title=MakerBot Responds To Critics Who Claim It Is Stealing Community IP |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/28/makerbot-responds-to-critics-who-claim-it-is-stealing-community-ip/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251111041317/https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/28/makerbot-responds-to-critics-who-claim-it-is-stealing-community-ip/ |archive-date=11 Nov 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[TechCrunch]]}}</ref> These factors contributed to MakerBot steadily losing their position and reputation as an industry leader, before getting absorbed by rival Ultimaker in 2022.
==TOS restricting development of third party devices and accessories==

It is understood that the following section has been part of the Bambu Lab TOS at least since January 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |last=@X1Plus |title=X1plus community Bambu Lab firmware - A win for everyone? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/18zaay0/x1plus_community_bambu_lab_firmware_a_win_for/kggqg4n/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222212657/https://old.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/18zaay0/x1plus_community_bambu_lab_firmware_a_win_for/kggqg4n/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> with some users suggesting that the purpose is to restrict development, while others argue that this is a standard clause used by companies around the world<ref>{{Cite web |last=@mflexx |title=Not updated. And this part is shared by pretty much every company that has ever existed on this planet. That's just blatant karma farming at this point. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1ibhhg7/updated_tos_shots_fired/m9i78kj/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222212738/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1ibhhg7/updated_tos_shots_fired/m9i78kj/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>.

“ 3.1 You may not use Bambu Lab technology or Bambu Lab intellectual property to develop software or design, develop, manufacture, sell, or license third-party devices/accessories associated with Bambu Lab Product without Bambu Lab's prior consent.”<ref name=":2" />

==See also==

*[[Forced account]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Bambu Lab]]
[[Category:Feature Ransom]]
[[Category:3D printers]]

Ally Financial

2026-05-05T05:52:40Z

Sojourna: Clean-up.

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Type=Public
|Founded=1919
|Industry=Financial services
|Website=https://ally.com
|Logo=Ally Financial Logo.svg
|Description=Ally Financial is a US-based company offering banking, securities, and other financial services through its subsidiaries.
}}

'''{{Wplink|Ally Financial|Ally Financial Inc.}}''' is a US-based company offering banking, securities, and other financial services through its subsidiaries such as Ally Bank, Ally Invest Advisers Inc. and [[Ally Invest Securities]] LLC.

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

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Discrimination settlement (''2013'')===
Due to Ally's discriminatory pricing system, more than 235,000 minority borrowers paid higher interest rates for their auto loans between April 2011 and December 2013. The {{Wplink|Consumer Financial Protection Bureau}} (CFPB) and {{Wplink|United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice}} (DOJ) ordered the company to pay $18 million in penalties and $80 million in damages to affected borrowers.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=CFPB and DOJ Order Ally to Pay $80 Million to Consumers Harmed by Discriminatory Auto Loan Pricing |url=https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-and-doj-order-ally-to-pay-80-million-to-consumers-harmed-by-discriminatory-auto-loan-pricing/ |website=Consumer Financial Protection Bureau |date=20 Dec 2013 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513035046/https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-and-doj-order-ally-to-pay-80-million-to-consumers-harmed-by-discriminatory-auto-loan-pricing/ |archive-date=13 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ficklin |first=Patrice Alexander |title=Harmed Ally borrowers have been sent $80 million in damages |url=https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/harmed-ally-borrowers-have-been-sent-80-million-in-damages/ |website=Consumer Financial Protection Bureau |date=29 Jan 2016 |access-date=25 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501091546/https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/harmed-ally-borrowers-have-been-sent-80-million-in-damages/ |archive-date=1 May 2016}}</ref>

===Data breach (''2024'')===
Ally Financial experienced a data breach in April 2024 that revealed the personal data of millions of its clients.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Coyer |first=Cassandre |title=Ally Breach May Have Leaked Consumer Data of Billions, Suit Says |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/ally-breach-may-have-leaked-consumer-data-of-billions-suit-says |website=Bloomberg Law |date=9 Sep 2024 |access-date=25 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251018005936/https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/ally-breach-may-have-leaked-consumer-data-of-billions-suit-says |archive-date=18 Oct 2025}}</ref> A {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit had been filed by July 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Wilkerson |first1=David M. |last2=Ostrow |first2=Jeff |title=''Owens v. Ally Bank and Ally Financial Inc.,'' (3:24-cv-00811) |url=https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/OwensvAllyBanketalDocketNo324cv00811WDNCSep072024CourtDocket?doc_id=X5LVE5J58BA8CP8L7L86STUQPGQ |website=Bloomberg Law |date=7 Sep 2024 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708182944/https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/OwensvAllyBanketalDocketNo324cv00811WDNCSep072024CourtDocket?doc_id=X5LVE5J58BA8CP8L7L86STUQPGQ |archive-date=8 July 2025}}</ref> claiming Ally did not properly secure customers' confidential information, such as Social Security numbers and auto account numbers. The suit also alleged that Ally failed to use computer software available for detecting and warding off cyber-attacks, and other measures needed to protect the hardware of its systems. Additionally, customer notifications were sent only with long delay.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rattigan |first=Kathryn M. |title=Ally Financial Faces Class Actions Over Data Breach |url=https://natlawreview.com/article/ally-financial-faces-class-actions-over-data-breach |website=The National Law Review |date=24 Oct 2024 |access-date=25 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708182935/https://natlawreview.com/article/ally-financial-faces-class-actions-over-data-breach |archive-date=8 July 2025}}</ref> Due to this data breach, customers' personal data was being stolen and sold on the dark web.<ref name=":0" />

==See also==
*[[Ally Invest Securities]]
*[[Chase Bank]]
*[[PNC Bank]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Financial services companies]]

Projects:Archive everything

2026-05-05T05:26:16Z

Sojourna: /* The list */

This project aims to get as many reference links as possible on the wiki switched over to archival links, instead of live links.

== The need to fight link rot ==
Everywhere on the internet, you get link rot - where linked pages either get taken offline, or changed, and the link is no longer useful for its original purpose. Link rot is a doubly serious issue for the Consumer Rights Wiki, as fairly substantial points of fact about companies or incidents may hang on our references, which will often point to a company's own website. The best available way to counter link rot is through archival, and this page serves as a hub for making sure every wiki article has its references archived.

Of particular importance are any links to central pieces of evidence used to support a claim of fact related to something a company has said or done, especially if it is on the website of a company, and can be taken down by them at any time. A reference supporting a more commonly available and frequently changing fact like 'Apple's market cap is $x' is not as important to archive as a company's FAQ, but it certainly won't hurt to do so.

Certain webpages are un-usable when archived, typically due to [[Pay-walling|paywalls]] or embedded dynamic content (typically powered by [[JavaScript]]), and archival may not be appropriate for links leading to this kind of page. Some webpages require the use of a specific archival service (e.g. PreserveTube for YouTube links). To archive pages behind registration or date-of-birth walls that archival services cannot bypass, make a screenshot of the content after getting past the wall and upload it to [https://archive.org/upload Internet Archive] and/or Consumer Rights Wiki; content hosted on the wiki may serve as an archival of ''last-resort'', but ideally, proper archival services should be used where possible.

== What you need to do ==
The best possible option is to archive a site in as many places as possible, but any archival link is much better than none at all.

The '''minimum''' correct formatting for an archived citation requires the title, url, archive-url, and archive-date fields and will look something like this:

<code><nowiki><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQ – End of operations |url=https://www.spexor-bosch.com/en/faq/faq-end-of-operations/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250923061946/https://www.spexor-bosch.com/en/faq/faq-end-of-operations/ |archive-date=23 Sep 2025}}</ref></nowiki></code>

The full list of possible additional fields can be found here: {{Wplink|Template:Cite web}}. All you need to do is archive the relevant un-archived webpage (or find an archived copy closer to the date the reference initially accessed it), and then update the reference with the archival link.

This can either be done through the source editor (in which case citations will look like the text block above) or through the visual editor's citation tool (this can be found by clicking Insert -> More... -> Citation, or pressing crtl+shift+k).

=== Archival services ===
* [https://web.archive.org/ Internet Archive] – Primary, most popular archival service, sometimes throttles/blocks VPN IPs. Upload video files and/or screenshots [https://archive.org/upload here] of content that cannot be archived via wayback machine (e.g. Twitter videos downloaded with yt-dlp).
* [https://ghostarchive.org/ Ghost Archive] – Secondary archival service.
* [https://megalodon.jp/ Megalodon] – Secondary, Japanese archival service. Can archive YouTube comments.
* [https://preservetube.com/ PreserveTube] – Specifically for archiving YouTube videos.

'''Archive.today has been deprecated.''' This is because they weaponised their site's visitors to [[wikipedia:Denial-of-service_attack#Distributed_DoS|DDOS]] some guy's blogs for bizarre internet argument reasons (which calls into question the reliability of the maintainer and site, and the ethics of using it), and it's also been alleged that they have tampered with archive pages, which hurts our ability to rely on the site as an archive which can be used to actually verify things and support the claims made in articles.

As archive.today is run by one person who has now brought a lot of scrutiny onto themselves through their actions, there's also a very real risk that they just take the site down, so where practical it would be sensible to migrate links archived using archive.today to an alternate archiving service.

The result of the Wikipedia community's discussion on this matter can be found {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/Archive.is_RFC_5|here}}.

For guidance on replacing Archive.today links, see {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Archive.today_guidance|here}}.

===Alternative frontends & mirrors===
The following is a list of services that expose more lightweight, HTML-based, and ultimately more archive-friendly user interfaces of popular sites. '''They are not archival services in and of themselves.''' Some instances may have captchas that end up blocking certain archival services, try several.

* [https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/wiki/Instances Nitter]: Allows for viewing Twitter/X replies without login and therefore only way to archive replies. The best way to cite Twitter/X references.
* [https://codeberg.org/irelephant/kittygram#instances Kittygram]: Nitter-like frontend for Instagram.
* [https://github.com/redlib-org/redlib-instances/blob/main/instances.md Redlib]: Lightweight like old.reddit, good for getting around 18+/nsfw gates that archival services cannot pass (some subreddits flag all posts as nsfw regardless of content).
* [https://sci-hub.st/ SciHub]: Allows for the free and open access viewing of PDFs of many papers, great for getting around academic publisher paywalls to directly archive cited papers by archiving the SciHub page hosting the PDF. Alternatively, try reaching out to original authors and they will usually be happy to provide a copy for reference/citation on this wiki.
* [[Special:Upload|Consumer Rights Wiki]]: Upload screenshots of pages or PDFs for direct quoting or if an archival service cannot get past something like a registration-wall. Do not upload more of an article than is necessary for supporting the citation. Archive the CRW link or upload the file to [https://archive.org/upload Internet Archive file uploads] as CRW is '''not an archive on its own'''.

==The list==
Below is a manually updated table of (hopefully) all pages on the wiki, and the current status of their references.

Pages that are missing a references section or have an empty references section are listed as "N/A" as they either do not have links that need archiving, or if they do then those links need to be correctly moved to the references section and/or the page completed/cleaned/reformatted before adding archived links, which is beyond the scope of this project (See [[:Category:Articles in need of additional work]]). This may change if references are properly added to these pages in the future.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Page Name!!References Archived?!!Archived By
|-
|[[1Password]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[2021 WhatsApp privacy policy updates]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3B CPAP Devices (3b Medical) (ReactHealth)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3CX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3D printers]]||N/A||
|-
|[[3D Printing restrictions and bans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[4k Video Downloader+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[5CA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[7-Eleven]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[About]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Accellion data breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Acer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Acer Leap Ware smartwatch bricked by discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Acer settles online breach probe for $115k]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Activision Blizzard]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activision Blizzard account lock and forced arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activision discontinues Blur video game]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ad block]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ADDW car systems legislated in the EU]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Adobe Creative Suite activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe Digital Editions' ebook DRM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe ToS update gives the company rights over consumers' works]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe sued by FTC over hidden fees in subscription plans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Advertising overload]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adware]]||N/A||
|-
|[[AEG Powertools]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AEG Power Tools 58V product line discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Age verification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AirAsia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AirPods]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[AirPods connection vulnerability]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[AirPods Max moisture issue]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Airsoft GI]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Airtel Axis Credit Card devaluation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Airthings ASA app release]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AI usage policy]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Akelius]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Alien Rides]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[AlienRides LLC tries and bans all importation of Electric Unicycles using patent law unless licensing fee is paid.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Alliance Laundry Solutions and Speed Queen]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Allstate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Alltech Services Inc]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Ally Financial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ally Invest Securities]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Amazon Fire TV]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle discontinues support for pre-2013 devices]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle removes download feature of purchased books]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon PhotosPlus discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon alters the content of purchased ebooks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon locks home owner out of Amazon account over allegation by Amazon delivery driver]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon Luna revocation of third-party games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon revokes access to their Appstore on non-Amazon devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Amazon to charge non-Prime consumers to use Alexa]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AMD]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AMD Platform Security Processor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ancestry.com]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android data collection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Android Developer Verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android System SafetyCore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anker]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anker Battery Bank Recall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anova Culinary]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Anova oven app subscription model]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anthem]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthem server shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthropic]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthropic Claude Code HERMES.md billing flaw]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Anthropic system prompt overrides consumersafety in Claude models]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anti-Cheat Expert]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Anti-privacy legislation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Anti-rollback/ARB for device firmware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Aotearoa/New Zealand consumer law]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple's planned obsolescence incidents]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple App Store]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Apple authorized service provider program]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Gatekeeper]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Apple introduces OS-level age verification]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Apple macOS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Media Services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple removes apps aiding protests]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Self Service Repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple TV+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Applebee's]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Apps deliberately refusing to work on modded devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arby's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arduino]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ariston]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Arity's alleged unauthorized driver data collection through mobile apps]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arlo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Ars Technica fake AI article on AI accusations]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Article suggestions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Artificial intelligence]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Artificial intelligence/training]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Assioma]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS charges for previously free service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[ASUS "sliding clip" battery connector defect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS downgrades a well-reviewed monitor panel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Asustor Drivestor NAS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AT&T]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Atlassian]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ATSC 3.0]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audi]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audible]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Audible class action lawsuit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audible subsidizes its streaming plan via premium credits]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Aura]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Australia Competition and Consumer Act 2010]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Autel - Otofix]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Authy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Autodesk]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Autodesk Fusion EOL on Intel based MacOS systems running OpenCore legacy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Automatic content recognition]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Automotive digital rights management]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Avid Technology]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AWS Lightsail Won't Cancel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Axis]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Axis Bank]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Axon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Backdoor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bait-and-switch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Balena]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Farm Manager]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Lab]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bambu Lab Authorization Control System]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Lab LAN mode guide]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bambu private keys leaked less than 24 hours after announcement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandai Namco EULA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandcamp]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Bandicam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandicam perpetual license invalidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Battery Health Assistance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Battery firmware lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Belkin]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Best Buy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Best Buy discontinuation of Insignia Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BetterHelp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Better Way Electronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bitly]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Bitly QRCodeGenerator.com QR code lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bitly QR Code preview page advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlackVue]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive, Ghost Archive, Megalodon
|-
|[[BlackVue firmware security vulnerabilities]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[BlackVue GPS location broadcasting]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[BlackVue mandatory app registration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Blink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloatware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloomberg]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloomberg DMCA strikes GamersNexus video]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Blu-Ray Ultra-HD DRM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlueCruise hands-free driving]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlueDriver OBD2 scanner now requires account login and collects data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW API restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[BMW's high beam assistant (HBA)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-p
|[[BMW Proprietary Screws]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Booking.com]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Booking.com Post-Payment Terms Disclosure]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Bootloader unlocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bosch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bosch Cloud Dishwasher Incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bosch Spexor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Bose]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Bose QuietComfort Sleepbuds doesn't allow purchasing new case]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bose SoundTouch end of life treatment]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[BowFlex, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Box Tops for Education]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brainly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Brave browser]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brave puts affiliated links in the address bar]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brax]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Breville Coffee Maker]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brilliant]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Broadband choice reduction by Brendan Carr's FCC]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Broadcom Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Brother Industries Ltd.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother DCP-L3550CDW aftermarket toner failure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother printers causing issues with third party inks]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Buffalo Wild Wings]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bumpgate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bungie]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bunnings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bureau of Consumer Protection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Burger King]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Buy now, pay later]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Buy one, get one free]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[ByteDance]]||N/A||
|-
|[[California Privacy Rights Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cambridge Analytica Scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cameras bricked on iPhone 13 series after iOS update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Cami Research]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canadian Bill S-209]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canadian bread price fixing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canadian internet providers circumvent CRTC protection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canary]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canon Camera Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon EOS Webcam Utility patch guide]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Canon ink DRM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon legacy scanner driver abandonment]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon printers disable scanning when ink is low]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canonical]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canva]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Canva 2019 data breach]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canva Affinity Studio adds arbitration clause]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Capital One]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Capital One Shopping]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[CAPTCHA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[CARIAD]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Carly]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Casey Stefanski]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Cava Grill]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cerberus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cerberus Phone Security Login with ad blocker no longer possible]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CF Moto puts previously included features behind paywall]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CgNAT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chamberlain Group]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chamberlain removes API access from new and existing garage door openers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Change.org]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Charles Schwab]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chase Bank]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chat Control]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[ChatGPT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ChatGPT-4o]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chevron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chick-fil-A]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Chipotle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Chrome OS ends support for school Chromebooks]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Chromium]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chuwi - 7430U product false advertisement]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cinemark]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Circular economy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco anti-competitive practices lawsuits]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Cisco Removing access to critical downloads for products that are end-of-support]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Requiring a service contract to download in-support device firmware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Smart Licensing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Systems, Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Class action]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Claude]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive, Megalodon
|-
|[[Clearview AI]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Click-to-cancel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Click Adventure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Clip Studio Paint changes perpetual license to subscription model]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Clippy Campaign]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Cloud (service)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Cloudflare]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Clover Network, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[COBB Tuning]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Coffee Meets Bagel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Coles 'Down Down' price manipulation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Colgate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Collective Shout]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Colorado SB26-090 critical infrastructure exemption]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Comcast]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commercial weather apps lose summary proceedings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commodity Futures Trading Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commonwealth Bank collection of Biometric Data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CompTIA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ConnectedLife SmartDry discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consent-or-pay]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Advice (UK)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Defense Code]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Consumer Financial Protection Bureau]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Rights Act 2015]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Technology Association]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Corporate greed]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Costco]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Costco's collection and sharing of data through Meta's tracking pixel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Covert web-to-app tracking by Meta and Yandex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cox Communications]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Crash Team Racing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Crave app refuses televisions based on production date]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creality]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creality forces update that removes features from their 3D scanners]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creative Fabrica licensing risks and ownership verification concerns]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Cricut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Crunchyroll]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cryptic Studios]]||N/A||
|-
|[[CSS tracking]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cuisinart]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CursorAI adds rate limits to unlimited plans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CYBERGUN]]||N/A||
|-
|[[CYMA Airsoft]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Daily Wire + lifetime Membership Terms Scope of the Subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dairy Queen]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dark pattern]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Data brokers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Datacolor "sunsetting" older Spyder monitor calibrators]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Data lock-in]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DAZN]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DCS sues small YouTuber for accurate review]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[De-anonymization]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Dead star server shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Deep Cycle Systems]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[DeepSeek]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Deerrun walking pads & treadmills startup]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Delisting and shut down of Age of Empires 3]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dell]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denny's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denon HEOS Speakers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denuvo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Derrimut Gym revokes 24/7 access after running sale promoting 24/7 access gym]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deutsche Kreditbank (DKB)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Device bricking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Device fingerprint]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Device lifecycle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deye]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dictionary.com shuts down premium app after selling lifetime subscriptions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Childhood Alliance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Fairness Act]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Digital Markets Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital rights management]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Disabling online features in retaliation]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Disc rot]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Discontinuation bricking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discontinuation of Ikawa Home Roasters]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Disboard]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Discord]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discord's mandatory age verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discord / 5CA Data Breach]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney requires an active subscription to delete a Disney+ account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+ ad policy change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+ household restrictions and access limitations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DIW7022 mandatory wireless operation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DJI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Osmo Pocket 3]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DJI Ronin RS4 Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Romo robot vacuum vulnerability]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DMarket]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[DMCA Section 1201]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Domino's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Doordash]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Downloadable content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DSGVO-Portal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DuckDuckGo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Duolingo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Duracell Energy EV Charger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dymo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dynamic pricing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson V10/V11 trigger design]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson battery lifespan reduced by design and difficult to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson covers circuit board in glue]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson ends relationship with third-party repair centers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[E-Bike Tuning Detection: Bosch and Yamaha’s Anti-Tampering Systems]]||N/A||
|-
|[[EA moves to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EA releases source code of classic command and conquer titles]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EA requires open beta players of battlefield 6 to change their motherboard bios settings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EBay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EBay opts-in users for AI training]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Echelon fitness firmware lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Ecoflow]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EduVULCAN]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Eight Sleep]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EINSTAR VEGA hidden activation requirement before file transfer is enabled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Electronic Arts]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Electronics leasing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Elgato forces Stream Deck users to sign up]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Elon Musk]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Elsagate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat - ST55U]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[End-user license agreement]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Enshittification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Entities refusing to distribute copyleft licensed software under license terms]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EO]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Epic Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Epic Games forces third party account creation in Rocket League]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Epik]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Epson printer waste ink counter restrictions]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Etoro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[EU enforcement actions against Shein for consumer rights violations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Eufy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Europe-based news sites enact consent-or-pay for data tracking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[European Consumer Centre on the Lack of Quality Standards for Exalted Skins]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EVGA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EviCore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Excessive data collection by cars]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Extron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EZVIZ]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[F1TV concurrent streams limit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[F-Droid]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Facebook account recovery requires mobile phone verification with limited non-SMS alternatives]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fairphone 5 bricked by faulty Android 15 update]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Fake lifetime license]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fake memory still being sold on eBay and Amazon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fal (AI company)]]||N/A||
|-
|[[False advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fandom]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Fear of missing out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Feature ransom]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Features on demand]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Federal Communications Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Federal Trade Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ferrari]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Figma]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Figma threatens companies using "Dev Mode"]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fiio]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Filmora lifetime licenses terminated]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Final Draft software activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Financial Industry Regulatory Authority]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Financial censorship]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Firefox]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Firefox introduces TOS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[First-sale doctrine]]||N/A||
|-
|[[First Press Games not producing goods paid for]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fisher-Price discontinues Smart Connect app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fitbit]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 Battery Performance Program]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Flat Earth Clock App]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Flightradar24]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Flo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Flock Safety]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Flock Safety Nova uses dark web data for surveillance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Flock license plate readers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Forced app download]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced account]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced arbitration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced cloud]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forced eSIMs]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced identification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced indemnification]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forced retention of payment methods]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced User Agreement on Jetbrains IntelliJ software]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forcing full motherboard replacement in mid range phones]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ford ad patent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Ford Connected Built-In Navigation trial and removal of service]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford Mustang Mach E 2026 Requires Payment for Frunk]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Ford repossession patent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Formlabs]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Formlabs acquisition of Micronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Fortnite]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fossify]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Framework]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[FreePhoneLine revokes Lifetime VoIP service for monthly subscription model]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Free software movement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Friend app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Frontier Airlines]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Frontier Airlines obfuscates web check-in form]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fruitbat Factory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[FTC Lawsuit against Turbo Tax free software]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[FTC sues PepsiCo for rigging Soft Drink Competition]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fujifilm Instax Cameras]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Funimation "Forever" Content License Revocation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[FUTO]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Future Motion]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Futurehome]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Futurehome Smarthub mandatory subscription fee]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Gaia GPS adds "feature" that opts all users into social media profile and location/activity sharing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Game-of-telephone privacy policy]]||N/A||
|-
|[[GameSpy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GameSpy server shutdown]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GameStop]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[GameStop Short Squeeze]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Games as a service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GE Appliances]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Geeni]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GeForce Now]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[General Data Protection Regulation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Electric refrigerators]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors (OnStar)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors data collection and sharing controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Generative artificial intelligence]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Genshin Impact]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GE Refrigerator water filter DRM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gigantti pressured additional subscriptions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gillette]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GitHub]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Glance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Glasswire]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GOG.com]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoGuardian]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoIt changing its warranty conditions post-sale]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoPro]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoPro Karma]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[GoPro advertises waterproof cameras despite design flaw and lack of warranty]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoTo Group]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Good2Go Mobile (Canada) phases out 3G network, Merges with LuckyMobile]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Goodlife now require App to access gyms]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoodRX sells health information to advertisers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Android restrict app sideloading]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Chrome]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Google Chrome automatically disables uBlock Origin]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Chromebook]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google forces your device to join their "Find Hub" network, hard to opt out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Gemini]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Jamboard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google LSA terms of service change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Mobile Services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Nest]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google OnHub]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google password manager overrides third-party autofill]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Google Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel 9 Pro camera bar separates from phone body]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Buds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Buds "Touch and Hold" discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Watch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Google Play Integrity API]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google search engine supports opaqueness for companies]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GrapheneOS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GREE Electric]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Greenwashing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Groupon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gryphon Online Safety, Inc.]]||N/A||
|-
|[[GTA 5 moves to kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Guardzilla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Guide:How to circumvent Synology hard drive restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Guide: HP Ink Cartridge ID Chip Swap]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Guide - Windows 10 end of support]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Gun Safe Widespread Deceptive Advertising]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[H&R Block]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Haier]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Halfords Limited]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Happy Bar & Grill biometric surveillance tool development]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Happiest Baby]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hardware as a service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Hauptwerk expiration of perpetual license download]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HBO Max]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HBO Max downgrades lifetime subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[HealthEquity difficult login]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Helldivers 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HelloSimply.com]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HelloSimply.com: easy to subscribe, difficult to unsubscribe]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Hidden EULA language]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hikvision]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hisense]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hisense adds unskippable ads to its GUI on the Spanish models]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Hisense H9G Smart TV]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[HNGRYnsite Camera: From smart kitchen aid to e-waste]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hogwarts Legacy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Home Bargains]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Home Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Honda]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Honda requires connection of the car to the internet and creating an account to be able to download offline map updates.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Hotelgiftcard creates surprising expenses for consumers]]||N/A||
|-
|[[How to help]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HP adds 15 minutes to all customer service phone calls]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Dynamic Security]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Instant Ink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[HP Laptop Subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Printers locking functionality behind ink availability]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Reverb G2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP systemic DRM and firmware lockouts]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Huawei]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humane Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humble Bundle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humble Bundle alters terms of sale]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hyundai]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brake pad repair restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[iCloud]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ID.me]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IFTTT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IFTTT discontinued Legacy plan]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IHOP]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IKEA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IKEA ÅSKVÄDER]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ILife]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Imgur]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[In-N-Out Burger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Inactive account deletion]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Inclusion of forced arbitration in Crunchyroll January 2025 TOS update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Indeed forced arbitration and bundling of consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Infomaniak]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360 X5]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Instacart uses algorithmic pricing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Instagram]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Instagram removes end-to-end encryption for direct messages]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Intel]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Intel CPUs stability issue]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Intel Management Engine]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Interactive Brokers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Interchangeable parts]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Internet Archive]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Internet of things]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Intuit]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Invitation Homes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IP Biometrix]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[iPhone]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IPhone 6 error 53 fingerprint sensor incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[iRobot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Itch.io]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Itron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jack in the Box]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Jagex revokes grandfathered RuneScape monthly subscription pricing after purchasing yearly subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jailbreak]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jamba Juice]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JavaScript]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jeep]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JetBlue Travel Credits]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JetBrains retires CodeCanvas]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jimmy John's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[John Deere]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere dealerships lobby against right to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere fails to uphold right to repair agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere security flaws exposed sensitive customer information]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Jones v. Ford Motor Co.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kemper guitar amplifer modeler puts features behind paywall after firmware update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kerbal Space Program 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kernel level anti-cheats]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kernel level driver]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Keurig]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Keychron k13 pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Keyshot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KFC]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kilter Board]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KingSong]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KPN mandatory SMS authentication]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kroger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kroger Grocery store electronic shelf labels & facial recognition]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kroger merger deal with Albertson]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kwik Trip]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Kwikset discontinues Kevo smart lock app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[L.A. Noire "Patch" mandates use Rockstar Games Launcher and Social Club account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LA Fitness makes it purposely difficult to cancel memberships]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LaLiga forces Spanish ISPs to mass-block Cloudflare IPs during Soccer Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lamborghini]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LastPass]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Leadwerks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[League of Legends: Exalted Skins Exclusive Cosmetics]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Lebara]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Legal lockout]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Lemmy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo Mirage AR]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo Tablets (Android)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Leo Express]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[LG Bootloader incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG G4 malfunctions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG Television sale of personal data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG refrigerator warranty scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Liberty Safe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lieferando]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Life360]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Life360 Terms of Service forced arbitration agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Lightspeed Aviation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lincare Holdings Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Linea Sketch revokes lifetime licenses]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LinkedIn]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[List of anti-consumer SLAPP lawsuits]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[List of Google products]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of companies]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of companies that automatically void warranties for repaired products]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of companies that block Internet Archive]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[List of discontinued online-only video games]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of kernel-level anti cheats]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of phones that do not allow bootloader unlock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of products and services with forced arbitration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of products and services with post-purchase license change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[List of products bricked by discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of services without clear cancellation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Litter Robot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Little Machine Shop]]||N/A||
|-
|[[LiveRamp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LiveView Technologies]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech G HUB]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech Harmony]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech webcams]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Louis Rossmann - Video Directory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[MagicGate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Magic Leap]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MakerBot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malicious compliance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malwarebytes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mandatory data collection on PlayStation's PC ports]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ManyCam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mark Zuckerberg]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mastercard]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Maytag]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda DMCA takedown of open source Home Assistant app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's 2017 India Leak]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's Japan malware attack]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[McDonald's South Korea and Taiwan Hack]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Medical equipment]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meetup.com account creation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mega.io]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Memrise]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meraki MS390]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercado Libre]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz EQS rear-wheel steering requires subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercury Insurance]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Merkury Innovations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Meta]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meta AI permanent account suspensions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meta Portal]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Micron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Micron retires Crucial products from consumer business]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Microsoft account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Authenticator]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Copilot]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Microsoft Copilot's recall feature]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Edge]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft ends use of bypassnro.cmd for Windows 11]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Office 365]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Microsoft Windows]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Windows 11]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Miele]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MikroTik ignoring WiFi disconnecting after firmware upgrade on hAP ax3 / ax2 / cAP ax]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Miku]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Miku charges subscription for previously free features]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Miku Terms of Service and Arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Milwaukee battery drm]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MinIO Object Browser: Removal of Management Features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft account migration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft Beta pre-1.8's lack of authentication]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Minecraft Chat Reporting and Restriction]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Minecraft enforcing undisclosed server EULA terms]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Minecraft LAN gameplay paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft post-purchase ownership rights changes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[MinestoreCMS converting your license without approval]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MIRC]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MitID]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mitsubishi Group]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Model F Labs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Moderation problems in online marketplaces]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mojang]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Mojang shuts down community-run Minecraft servers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Molekule did not disclose air purifier data vulnerability]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down their app if purifiers used with third party air filters]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Monetization overload]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Monopoly]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Monoprice]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Monsanto]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Motorola]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Movies Anywhere]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mozilla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MSI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MSI motherboard CMOS battery obsolescence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mullvad VPN]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MyFitnessPal regressive upgrade]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Namecheap]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nanoleaf]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[National Grid USA smart meter data collection in New York and Massachusetts]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[National Security Agency]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NDAA has military right to repair stripped from it in favor of data as a service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Neato cloud shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Negative option marketing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nestlé]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NetLimiter]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Netatmo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netatmo Zigbee devices refuse to connect to third-party gateways]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Netflix]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix Games deactivated]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix delisting 23 game titles]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix stream-quality controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netgate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Newag]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ngenic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ngenic forces subscription on previously “lifetime” Tune customers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Niimbot label printer (RFID-tagged labels)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nike]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nike Adapt: Smart shoes with app Integration and discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nikon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Nintendo's May 2025 Policy Updates]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo 3rd party dock restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch bans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nissan]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nissan EVconnect application shutdowns (UK)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nissan shuts 2G car service in UK]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nitro PDF License Deactivating]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nitro Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nixplay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Non-disclosure agreement]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Non-fungible tokens]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[NOOK 1st gen devices end of life]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NordVPN]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Notability]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nothing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nothing Phone (1)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Now TV]]||N/A||
|-
|[[NOYB]]||N/A||
|-
|[[NProtect GameGuard]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Nvidia]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nvidia buys stake in Intel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nvidia threatens GamersNexus]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZ eRUC all-cars 24/7 GPS Surveillance proposal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZXT]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZXT Flex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Oasis Water]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Octopus Energy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Oculus (Meta) Quest 1 Deprecation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ofcom]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Okkazeo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ola Electric disables vehicle riding modes without MoveOS+ subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OneDrive]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OnePlus]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Oneplus AI tools / Mindspace]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Oneplus phone update introduces hardware anti-rollback]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OpenAI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Openclaw.ai]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Opera]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Opt-out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Optimum]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Optus]]||N/A||
|-
|[[OtO Lawn discontinues solutions program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Other Channels - Video Directory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Otter.ai]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Palantir]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Panasonic Lumix S5IIX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Panda Express]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Panera Bread]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Panera's failure to disclose a known security breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Papa John's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Paragon NTFS software license invalidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Part pairing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Patreon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pay-walling]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PayPal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PayPal Honey]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[PayPal requests ID post-purchase for cryptocurrency]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Payscore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PCIe power connector design linked to melting GPU cables]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PEAK (video game)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pearson]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[PeerTube]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pelco]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Peloton]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Peloton removes Just Run feature]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Peloton used-equipment activation fee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PepsiCo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PepsiCo sued by FTC for rigging Soft Drink Competition]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Perplexity AI]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Perplexity throttles PRO subscribers without prior notice]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Persona]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Personal Data Protection Law]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Personal Information Protection Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Personalized ads]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PETKIT Pura Max 2 — Region-Lock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PFAS cover-up]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[PHH Mortgage Corporation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Philips]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Philips Hue: MotionAwareTM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Philips Hue starts requiring an account for the Hue app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Philips shuts down Smart TV service of a lot models sold between 2009 and 2013]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Phone Number Prefix Normative]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Photobucket]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pinterest]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pitboss Grills]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Pixel 5a]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pizza Hut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Planned obsolescence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PlayStation 3 "Yellow Light of Death"]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation 3 Removal of OtherOS with System Update 3.21]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation Lease with Flex]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PlayStation Network Account Requirement for PC Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation restricts how developers can give upgrades to "PS5" editions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Plex Media Server]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pluralsight]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pluralsight revokes lifetime licenses]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Plutus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PNC Bank]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pocket Casts]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Podkicker Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PolarBackup - Cloud Storage]]||N/A||
|-
|-
|[[Polestar]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Polestar 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Polestar paywalls performance update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Popeyes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Positive practices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Post-purchase EULA modification]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Poste Italiane turned a free identification service into a subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Predatory microtransactions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Presonus removes VSL mixing app from VSL audio interfaces products line]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Price fixing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Printer tracking dots]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PROCON]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proposed Ring-Flock partnership (2025-2026)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Protection One 320P1 Security System]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proton]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proton Mail]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Proton Mail discloses activist IP address to police]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proven Industries v. Trevor McNally]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PsychonautWiki Journal locks drug & interaction tracking behind Paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Purism]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Qantas]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Qantas sale of tickets for cancelled services (ghost flights)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Qardio]]||N/A||
|-
|[[QIDI 3D printer house fire]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Qualcomm]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Quidd]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[QuikTrip]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[RAM Shortage]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Raylo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer account “Human Verification” promotes World ID biometric verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer Corp. Ends Software Degrading Consumer Devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer Pro Click and Pro Click Mini]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ReCAPTCHA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reason Studios]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reckon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Robin]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Red Shell tracker]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Sky Labs Muzio Player Premium post-purchase terms change]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Ventures]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Redbox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Reddit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reddit made it impossible for blind Redditors to moderate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Remote disabling]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Renault Zoe connected services subscription]]||N/A||
|-
|[[RepairShopr]]||N/A||
|-
|[[RepairShopr data privacy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ResellerRatings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Restaurant Brands International]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Restaurant Brands International caught training AI models using customer voices]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Retailers requiring police reports for missing items in orders]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Retroactive policy enforcement]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Retroid Pocket MINI Handheld]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reverse engineering Bambu Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reverse engineering vs illegal hacking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut blocked access for users with custom OS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut blocking Lyca Mobile automated payment blocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut verify ID email spam]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Richard Stallman]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rights stripping]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Right to own]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Right to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ring]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Riot Vanguard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rivian]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Robinhood Financial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Roblox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roblox's problematic moderation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roborock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rocksmith]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rockstar Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rohde & Schwarz]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roku]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rosetta Stone]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rosetta Stone bricks legacy CD-based and downloadable software]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rovio]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Ryanair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Salad and Go]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Samsung ads in refrigerators]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Bothersome visual and audible pop up every 2 hours on certain TV models]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Frame TV asks for subscription to view photos]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3's camera gets artificially blocked after unlocking the bootloader]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Gear 360 software and services discontinued]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Odyssey]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Samsung One UI 8 Bootloader Restriction]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung self-repair program restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung SmartCam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Samsung TVs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sandisk disables IXpand drive app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sandisk Wireless Flash Drives]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sassy Saints review copyright claim]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Save Wizard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Scopely, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Screenshot blocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Scribd]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seagate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seagate sells old hard drives as new]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seattle Avionics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SecuROM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[SecuRam installs backdoor on ProLogic series safe locks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Secure boot]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Secure gateway module]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Securities and Exchange Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Securities and Exchange Commission search tools]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Security]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Security through obscurity]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Self-destructive design]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Self-hosting]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sengled]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Serato DJ Pro / DJM-S11]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sevenhugs Smart Remote products discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sezzle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shake Shack]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shell]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Shimano]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Shoney's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shopee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shortage of medical ventilators during COVID-19 pandemic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shrinkflation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sideloading]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sig Sauer]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Signal]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Signal cloud backups]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SimplePractice]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Singapore police jail woman based on data stored in car infotainment system]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Singtel, Singapore Telecommunications Limited]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SiriusXM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Sketchfab]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Skoda Citigo Move&Fun app discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SkyDrop (Smart Irrigation)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Slack]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SLAPP suits and legal intimidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Slashdot websites require TOS acceptance without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smart meter]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartaira & plume wifi motion detection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartwool]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Smartwool adds forced arbitration to EULA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartyplus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Snapchat]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Software as a service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Software bricking]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Software-gating]]||N/A||
|-
|[[SolaX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonos]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Sony]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony's attempted removal of "purchased" content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony PlayStation 30-day license check controversy (2026)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sony Playstation hardware bans from online services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Sony PlayStation Vita proprietary memory card ban]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony Xperia turns camera monitor into subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony x900h television]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sophos Limited]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SoundCloud]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sparx Skate Sharpener]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spectrum]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spore (game)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spotify]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Spotify Car Thing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Spyware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Square Reader]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Stadia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[StarForce Technologies]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Star Citizen]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Starlink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Starlink replaces subscription pause with $5/mo low speeds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Steam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Steam Deck]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SteamOS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SteelSeries]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis customer data breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis in-car advertisements]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[STMicroelectronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Stop Killing Games]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Storefront shutdown]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Storj.io constantly removes free or low cost services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stripe]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stångåstaden kickbacks and hidden rent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subaru Starlink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subscription service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subway]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subway footlong pass ineligibility]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[SumUp blocks card readers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SunStrong Management LLC puts solar monitoring app behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Superhive]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Swiffer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Swiggy and Zomato refuse to refund customers for cancelled orders]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Switch Game Key-Card]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Synology]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Systemd Adds Age Indication Ahead of Schedule]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Taco Bell]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tado]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Take Two]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tapo P115 firmware update breaks Home Assistant integration]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Target]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TD Ameritrade]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TDK AIsight]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tea Dating Advice]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Team17]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TeamViewer]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TeamViewer terminates perpetual licenses]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tekken 8 retroactively introducing micro transactions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telecom Egypt]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telegram]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telstra]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Temu]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Terms of service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Terumo Cardiovascular]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Terumo Cardiovascular discontinues third-party repair of System 1]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Tesla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Tesla Cybertruck voids warranty if Powershare feature is used]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla asks customers to vote against Right to Repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla blames drivers for part failures it admits were defective]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla locks battery range behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla locks heated rear seats behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla locks horsepower behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla Powerwall]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla remote FSD removal over third-party accessories]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tesla switches full self-driving to subscription only]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Testo disables free Saveris Cloud and forces paid subscription on existing customers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tesvor x500]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Texas Consumer Complaint Portal]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Texas Instruments]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The Coca-Cola Company]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The Consumer Right to Repair Digital Electronics Equipment Act (Colorado)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[The Economist]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[The Italian digital identity wallet only supports Google-certified Android devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The US undermines the Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework with the EU by firing PCLOB staff]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The rights of residential and holiday mobile homeowners (England)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Thinkpad X1 Carbon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Thrive Market]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tidal updates terms without explanation or opportunity to decline]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TikTok]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TikTok and AI-powered ad tracking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tim Hortons]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tim Hortons app collects user data without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tinder]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[T-Mobile T-Life app screen recording controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[T-Mobile US]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tokyo Marui]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Tom Evans Audio copyright strike]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Tonies]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Top Contributors]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Toyota]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[TP-Link]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TracFone Wireless, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Trump Mobile]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Trusted computing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Turkcell Superonline]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tuya Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Twitch]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tyre warranty sold via mobile fitting, redeemable only at fixed garages]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Uber]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Uber EULA precludes jury trial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubiquiti]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ubisoft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Ubisoft forces players in single-player games to be connected to the internet to collect data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubisoft in-game data collection GDPR complaint (2025)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubox / Anisee / RBX-B10 4G Low-Power Solar Wifi Security Camera]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[UFC-Que Choisir]]||N/A||
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[UltiMaker]]||N/A||
|-
|[[UniTranslate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Uniform Commercial Code]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[United Chargers Inc puts Open Source interface access behind paywall on Grizzl-E car chargers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unity]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unity Engine runtime fee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Universal Music Group has a team dedicated to eroding fair use rights]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Unlocking Technology Act of 2013]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unnecessary retirement of Microsoft Office Lens]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[UPS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Urban Air Adventure Park]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[USAGov]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[US Bureau of Consumer Protection]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[User testing for mandatory paid subscription into Tado Smart Thermostat app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[US Mobile]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[VPN Secure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Value based pricing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Valve removes arbitration requirement from Steam Subscriber Agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Varusteleka]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Venmo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Veo paywalls camera features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vercel's anti-consumer recharge]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Verisk Analytics, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Verizon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Verkada Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[VidIQ]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Video Games Europe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Video game preservation]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Videos to Convert to Articles]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Viessmann]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Virgin Media]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Virtual Racing School]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Visa]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Visual Studio Code]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[VitalSource "Lifetime" false advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vital Proteins sells products with terms and conditions inside the container]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vitalant]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vivint Smart Home, Inc.]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Vizio]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio fined by the FTC for collecting and selling user data without consumer consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio sued over unfairly appropriated software for their SmartCast system]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio Walmart account requirement for smart TV features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VMware]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VMware licensing change since acquisition by Broadcom]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vodafone disables IPv4 support on mobile broadband network]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Voice over LTE]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VOIPO overbills customers and denys refunds]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen AG - SFD(2) / UNCE - Protection of car diagnosis]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen car-location data-exposure incident]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Voluntary Recall of NVIDIA Shield K1 Tablets]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volvo VIDA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vont]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[VRChat]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VRS Sim Racing Wheel Base full torque locked behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vulcan Strength]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Vultr]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wacom]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Wacom legacy tablet driver abandonment]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Waffle House]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Wallbox Quasar]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Walmart]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Walmart's Onn devices bricked after update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Warcraft III legacy CD keys no longer redeemable on Battle.net]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Warp.dev]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Washington house bill 2321 regarding 3d printers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Waste ink counter]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Waymo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Web cookie]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wegmans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wendy's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WeTransfer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Wemo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wemo discontinuation of service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Western Digital]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[What3words]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WhatsApp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Whistle pet tracker shutdown IoT fail]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Whoop]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Windows installation USB drives]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Winston-Salem Journal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WKDA GmbH]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Wondershare]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Preservetube
|-
|[[World of Warcraft]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Wyze]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[XAI]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Xbox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Xbox Game Pass]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xbox Network]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xcode]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[X Corp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Xiaomi]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Xiaomi Phone unlock requirements and procedure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xiaomi Yi Home]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xlear]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yahoo!]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Yahoo! mandatory use of AI on all consumer services and content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yandex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[You Need A Budget]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[YouTube]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[YouTube age verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Yubo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yum! Brands]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Zoom (product)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Zoom changed Terms of Service for Data Collection and Force Arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Zoom Communications]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Zyxel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|}

[[Category:Projects]]

TD Ameritrade

2026-05-05T05:24:56Z

Sojourna: Clean-up.

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=1975
|Industry=Brokerage, Financial
|Logo=TD Ameritrade.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://web.archive.org/web/20250000000000*/https://www.tdameritrade.com/
}}

'''{{Wplink|TD Ameritrade}}''' was a US-based company providing brokerage and related financial services. The company underwent an acquisition by [[Charles Schwab]] between 2019 and 2020 and completed transition of customer accounts in 2024.

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

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Security breaches===
In November 2007, the company disclosed that hackers had breached its systems, gaining access to sensitive client information, including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, and trading activity.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=TD Ameritrade Hacked; Customer Info Stolen |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2007/09/14/td-ameritrade-hacked-customer-info-stolen.html |website=CNBC |date=14 Sep 2007 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121040750/https://www.cnbc.com/2007/09/14/td-ameritrade-hacked-customer-info-stolen.html |archive-date=21 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kawamoto |first=Dawn |title=TD Ameritrade's 6 million customers hit with security breach |url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/td-ameritrades-6-million-customers-hit-with-security-breach/ |website=CNet |date=14 Sep 2007 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610201118/https://www.cnet.com/culture/td-ameritrades-6-million-customers-hit-with-security-breach/ |archive-date=10 Jun 2022}}</ref> Following a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit in 2011, the company agreed to a settlement, offering compensation ranging from $50 to $2,500 to customers who fell victim to identity theft as a result of the breach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bolado |first=Carolina |title=TD Ameritrade Settles Data Breach Suit For Up To $6.5M |url=https://www.law360.com/consumerprotection/articles/271214/td-ameritrade-settles-data-breach-suit-for-up-to-6-5m
|website=Law360 |date=13 Sep 2011 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194600/https://www.law360.com/consumerprotection/articles/271214/td-ameritrade-settles-data-breach-suit-for-up-to-6-5m |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> In 2020, customer login credentials were found being sold on the {{Wplink|dark web}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rooney |first=Kate |last2=Khorram |first2=Yasmin |title=Hackers look to buy brokerage log-ins on the dark web with Robinhood fetching highest prices |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/14/brokerage-log-ins-for-sale-on-dark-web-robinhood-sees-highest-prices-.html |website=CNBC |date=14 Oct 2020 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014220708/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/14/brokerage-log-ins-for-sale-on-dark-web-robinhood-sees-highest-prices-.html |archive-date=14 Oct 2020}}</ref>

===Auction rates securities scandal===
In 2009, TD Ameritrade settled a lawsuit that accused the firm of misleading investors by selling them auction-rate securities it touted as safe, short-term investments. The investments, which had been considered safe before the 2008 financial crisis, later became {{Wplink|Market liquidity|illiquid}}, making investors' money irretrievable. The firm agreed to pay $456 million and to buy back all the affected securities at their face value to compensate investors for losses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pepitone |first=Julianne |title=Ameritrade settles securities case for $456M
|url=https://money.cnn.com/2009/07/20/news/companies/Schwab_TD_securities_investigation/index.htm |website=CNN |date=20 Jul 2009 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090723163541/https://money.cnn.com/2009/07/20/news/companies/Schwab_TD_securities_investigation/index.htm |archive-date=23 Jul 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=
|title=SEC Charges TD Ameritrade for Auction Rate Securities Sales Practices |url=https://www.sec.gov/news/press/2009/2009-163.htm |website=[[Securities and Exchange Commission]] |date=20 Jul 2009 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826053057/https://www.sec.gov/news/press/2009/2009-163.htm |archive-date=26 Aug 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=TD Ameritrade Agrees To Auction-Rate Buyback |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/business/21auction.html |website=The New York Times |date=20 Jul 2009 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315090507/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/business/21auction.html |archive-date=15 Mar 2017}}</ref>

===Losses in Reserve funds===
The company and its advisors recommended the investment of cash holdings in a {{Wplink|money market fund}} affiliated with the {{Wplink|Reserve Primary Fund}}, which gained approximately $1 billion in assets. The company also promoted the Reserve Yield Plus Fund as a safe money market fund, despite it actually being a bond fund. The company received commissions for steering customers toward these funds.

During the {{Wplink|2008 financial crisis}}, the Reserve Primary Fund suffered heavy losses. In September 2008, it dropped below $1 per share, freezing $1 billion in cash belonging to TD Ameritrade clients. The Reserve Yield Plus Fund also declined in value during this period. These actions led to class-action lawsuits filed by customers and an investigation by the U.S. [[Securities and Exchange Commission]] (SEC) into the company's marketing practices.

In 2008, TD Ameritrade agreed to reimburse customers for up to 3% of their losses in the Reserve Primary Fund, with a total cap of $50 million. In 2011, the company settled the SEC case and agreed to pay 1.2¢ per share of the Reserve Yield Plus Fund that was held by its customers, or $10 million in total. The Reserve Yield Plus Fund made its final distribution in 2016, with investors receiving 97 to 98 cents per share, in addition to the compensation provided by TD Ameritrade.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Fund losses fuel customers’ anger |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-11-02-0810310465-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |date=2 Nov 2008 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220610201118/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-11-02-0810310465-story.html |archive-date=10 Jun 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ambrose |first=Eileen |title=Investors feel burned by what looked like a money market fund |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2008-12-16-0812150177-story.html |website=The Baltimore Sun |date=16 Dec 2008 |access-date=5 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220610201131/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2008-12-16-0812150177-story.html |archive-date=10 Jun 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=SEC Charges TD Ameritrade for Failing to Supervise Its Representatives Who Sold Shares of the Reserve Yield Plus Fund |url=https://www.sec.gov/news/press/2011/2011-36.htm |website=[[Securities and Exchange Commission]] |date=3 Feb 2011 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206153406/https://www.sec.gov/news/press/2011/2011-36.htm |archive-date=6 Feb 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=SEC Announces $10M Settlement With TD Ameritrade |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sec-announces-10m-settlement-with-td-ameritrade/ |website=CBS News |date=3 Feb 2011 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308000930/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sec-announces-10m-settlement-with-td-ameritrade/ |archive-date=8 Mar 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Termination of Primary Fund-In Liquidation |url=http://www.primary-yieldplus-inliquidation.com/pdf/Fund-Update-110415.pdf |website=The Primary Fund-In Liquidation |date=4 Nov 2015 |access-date= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813192344/http://www.primary-yieldplus-inliquidation.com/pdf/Fund-Update-110415.pdf |archive-date=13 Aug 2022 |format=PDF}}</ref>

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Investment banks]]
[[Category:Online brokerages]]
[[Category:Usury]]
[[Category:Retroactively amended purchase]]

DAZN

2026-05-05T04:04:27Z

Sojourna: /* Cancellation difficulties and forced arbitration */

{{Incomplete}}
{{Stub}}
{{Cleanup|Issue 1=Citations need to follow proper formatting. See [[Template:Cite web]].}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2007
|Industry=Broadcasting, IPTV, Sports
|Logo=DAZN Logo Master.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://www.dazn.com
|Description=
}}

'''{{Wplink|DAZN}}''' is a British-owned entertainment platform for sports broadcasting and streaming. The platform launched in 2015 and streams live and on-demand sport to over 200 countries worldwide. The service has 20 million paying subscribers as of 2023.

==Consumer impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}
===Cancellation difficulties and forced arbitration===
DAZN proposes that you can both sign up and cancel your subscription to streaming services at any time. Members will find, however, that once the 30-day trial has ended, they are locked into a subscription service, credit-card information was required when signing up for services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DAZN Makes Canceling Difficult |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Boxing/comments/1e3jt8w/dazn_makes_canceling_difficult/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260324194302/https://old.reddit.com/r/Boxing/comments/1e3jt8w/dazn_makes_canceling_difficult/ |archive-date=24 Mar 2026 |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Dec 2020 |title=Dazn won't let me cancel |url=https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/dazn-wont-let-me-cancel.524423/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708185608/https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/dazn-wont-let-me-cancel.524423/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=AZBilliards Forum}}</ref> The [[terms of service]] of DAZN contain a [[forced arbitration]] agreement wherein by subscribing you waive all rights to any compensation by any {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit. (See lines '''17. Mandatory Individual Arbitration''').<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms of Use |url=https://help.dazn.com/hc/en-us/articles/16391473315101-Terms-of-Use |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815150309/https://help.dazn.com/hc/en-us/articles/16391473315101-Terms-of-Use |archive-date=15 Aug 2024 |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=[[DAZN]]}}</ref>

Signing up for the service is a short process. Trying to unsubscribe from the service requires you to talk to an in-house agent. These agents appear to never be available. The only recourse a customer has to prevent monthly charges from DAZN is to cancel all charges being put on the account from that vendor.

===Unwanted automatic rebilling and price increases===
In 2023, DAZN offered a "NFL Game Pass" outside of the US in countries like Germany, where you could pay around $45 a month to watch the rest of the season games. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Internet Archive DAZN NFL Game Pass site from October 2023 |url=https://www.dazn.com/de-DE/l/nfl-game-pass/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023140651/https://www.dazn.com/de-DE/l/nfl-game-pass/ |archive-date=2023-10-23}}</ref> The advertisement clearly states that the charges that you incur will be "per month for 4 months". The season pass subscription however does not terminate after the season is over. Unless actively cancelled, it silently renews in the following year for the exact same price, often leading to consumers incurring unexpected charges on their credit cards about a year later.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trustpilot-Review about unwanted rebilling around the start of the new NFL season through a prior NFL game pass |url=https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ac04dcf1f18786079050ae |website=Trustpilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708185611/https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ac04dcf1f18786079050ae |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Further customer reviews on Trustpilot about unwanted rebilling around August for their Game Pass |url=https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ab3ce1b4f51e5e415cff7b |website=Trustpilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708185609/https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ab3ce1b4f51e5e415cff7b |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This correlates with an influx of negative reviews around the start of the new NFL season in August on websites like Trustpilot.

Reddit-Users also have complained about their cancelled free-trial subscriptions being bumped up to full season pass subscriptions and being charged more than $200 for a season pass they never ordered.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reddit-Thread about NFL gamepass transition |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/dazn_ca/comments/15f9k2o/nfl_gamepass_transition_this_cant_be_legal/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230801112201/https://old.reddit.com/r/dazn_ca/comments/15f9k2o/nfl_gamepass_transition_this_cant_be_legal/ |archive-date=1 Aug 2023}}</ref> Furthermore, users on TrustPilot also noted that the usual €179 price tag for a yearly subscription was switched to a monthly €40 subscription without prior notice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=German TrustPilot review complaining about increased subscription prices |url=https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ab3ce1b4f51e5e415cff7b |website=TrustPilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708185609/https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ab3ce1b4f51e5e415cff7b |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=User comment on TrustPilot about the increase in price and switch to a monthly subscription model |url=https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/67fed1a985794b537b4ad9f5 |website=Trustpilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708185605/https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/67fed1a985794b537b4ad9f5 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This constitutes a €100 price increase over the previously incurred costs.

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

This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main CR Wiki article}}

Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).

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

==See also==
*[[Forced arbitration]]
*[[Click-to-cancel]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Subscription-based services]]
[[Category:Forced arbitration]]

DAZN

2026-05-05T04:03:20Z

Sojourna:

{{Incomplete}}
{{Stub}}
{{Cleanup|Issue 1=Citations need to follow proper formatting. See [[Template:Cite web]].}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2007
|Industry=Broadcasting, IPTV, Sports
|Logo=DAZN Logo Master.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://www.dazn.com
|Description=
}}

'''{{Wplink|DAZN}}''' is a British-owned entertainment platform for sports broadcasting and streaming. The platform launched in 2015 and streams live and on-demand sport to over 200 countries worldwide. The service has 20 million paying subscribers as of 2023.

==Consumer impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}
===Cancellation difficulties and forced arbitration===
DAZN proposes that you can both sign up and cancel your subscription to streaming services at any time. Members will find, however, that once the 30-day trial has ended, they are locked into a subscription service, credit-card information was required when signing up for services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DAZN Makes Canceling Difficult |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Boxing/comments/1e3jt8w/dazn_makes_canceling_difficult/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260324194302/https://old.reddit.com/r/Boxing/comments/1e3jt8w/dazn_makes_canceling_difficult/ |archive-date=24 Mar 2026 |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Dec 2020 |title=Dazn won't let me cancel |url=https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/dazn-wont-let-me-cancel.524423/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708185608/https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/dazn-wont-let-me-cancel.524423/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=AZBilliards Forum}}</ref> The [[terms of service]] of DAZN contain a [[forced arbitration]] agreement wherein by subscribing you waive all rights to any compensation by any [[Class action lawsuit|class-action lawsuit]]. (See lines '''17. Mandatory Individual Arbitration''').<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms of Use |url=https://help.dazn.com/hc/en-us/articles/16391473315101-Terms-of-Use |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815150309/https://help.dazn.com/hc/en-us/articles/16391473315101-Terms-of-Use |archive-date=15 Aug 2024 |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=[[DAZN]]}}</ref>

Signing up for the service is a short process. Trying to unsubscribe from the service requires you to talk to an in-house agent. These agents appear to never be available. The only recourse a customer has to prevent monthly charges from DAZN is to cancel all charges being put on the account from that vendor.

===Unwanted automatic rebilling and price increases===
In 2023, DAZN offered a "NFL Game Pass" outside of the US in countries like Germany, where you could pay around $45 a month to watch the rest of the season games. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Internet Archive DAZN NFL Game Pass site from October 2023 |url=https://www.dazn.com/de-DE/l/nfl-game-pass/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023140651/https://www.dazn.com/de-DE/l/nfl-game-pass/ |archive-date=2023-10-23}}</ref> The advertisement clearly states that the charges that you incur will be "per month for 4 months". The season pass subscription however does not terminate after the season is over. Unless actively cancelled, it silently renews in the following year for the exact same price, often leading to consumers incurring unexpected charges on their credit cards about a year later.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trustpilot-Review about unwanted rebilling around the start of the new NFL season through a prior NFL game pass |url=https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ac04dcf1f18786079050ae |website=Trustpilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708185611/https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ac04dcf1f18786079050ae |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Further customer reviews on Trustpilot about unwanted rebilling around August for their Game Pass |url=https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ab3ce1b4f51e5e415cff7b |website=Trustpilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708185609/https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ab3ce1b4f51e5e415cff7b |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This correlates with an influx of negative reviews around the start of the new NFL season in August on websites like Trustpilot.

Reddit-Users also have complained about their cancelled free-trial subscriptions being bumped up to full season pass subscriptions and being charged more than $200 for a season pass they never ordered.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reddit-Thread about NFL gamepass transition |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/dazn_ca/comments/15f9k2o/nfl_gamepass_transition_this_cant_be_legal/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230801112201/https://old.reddit.com/r/dazn_ca/comments/15f9k2o/nfl_gamepass_transition_this_cant_be_legal/ |archive-date=1 Aug 2023}}</ref> Furthermore, users on TrustPilot also noted that the usual €179 price tag for a yearly subscription was switched to a monthly €40 subscription without prior notice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=German TrustPilot review complaining about increased subscription prices |url=https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ab3ce1b4f51e5e415cff7b |website=TrustPilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708185609/https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/66ab3ce1b4f51e5e415cff7b |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=User comment on TrustPilot about the increase in price and switch to a monthly subscription model |url=https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/67fed1a985794b537b4ad9f5 |website=Trustpilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708185605/https://de.trustpilot.com/reviews/67fed1a985794b537b4ad9f5 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This constitutes a €100 price increase over the previously incurred costs.

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

This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main CR Wiki article}}

Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).

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

==See also==
*[[Forced arbitration]]
*[[Click-to-cancel]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Subscription-based services]]
[[Category:Forced arbitration]]

Projects:Archive everything

2026-05-05T03:54:21Z

Sojourna: /* The list */

This project aims to get as many reference links as possible on the wiki switched over to archival links, instead of live links.

== The need to fight link rot ==
Everywhere on the internet, you get link rot - where linked pages either get taken offline, or changed, and the link is no longer useful for its original purpose. Link rot is a doubly serious issue for the Consumer Rights Wiki, as fairly substantial points of fact about companies or incidents may hang on our references, which will often point to a company's own website. The best available way to counter link rot is through archival, and this page serves as a hub for making sure every wiki article has its references archived.

Of particular importance are any links to central pieces of evidence used to support a claim of fact related to something a company has said or done, especially if it is on the website of a company, and can be taken down by them at any time. A reference supporting a more commonly available and frequently changing fact like 'Apple's market cap is $x' is not as important to archive as a company's FAQ, but it certainly won't hurt to do so.

Certain webpages are un-usable when archived, typically due to [[Pay-walling|paywalls]] or embedded dynamic content (typically powered by [[JavaScript]]), and archival may not be appropriate for links leading to this kind of page. Some webpages require the use of a specific archival service (e.g. PreserveTube for YouTube links). To archive pages behind registration or date-of-birth walls that archival services cannot bypass, make a screenshot of the content after getting past the wall and upload it to [https://archive.org/upload Internet Archive] and/or Consumer Rights Wiki; content hosted on the wiki may serve as an archival of ''last-resort'', but ideally, proper archival services should be used where possible.

== What you need to do ==
The best possible option is to archive a site in as many places as possible, but any archival link is much better than none at all.

The '''minimum''' correct formatting for an archived citation requires the title, url, archive-url, and archive-date fields and will look something like this:

<code><nowiki><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQ – End of operations |url=https://www.spexor-bosch.com/en/faq/faq-end-of-operations/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250923061946/https://www.spexor-bosch.com/en/faq/faq-end-of-operations/ |archive-date=23 Sep 2025}}</ref></nowiki></code>

The full list of possible additional fields can be found here: {{Wplink|Template:Cite web}}. All you need to do is archive the relevant un-archived webpage (or find an archived copy closer to the date the reference initially accessed it), and then update the reference with the archival link.

This can either be done through the source editor (in which case citations will look like the text block above) or through the visual editor's citation tool (this can be found by clicking Insert -> More... -> Citation, or pressing crtl+shift+k).

=== Archival services ===
* [https://web.archive.org/ Internet Archive] – Primary, most popular archival service, sometimes throttles/blocks VPN IPs. Upload video files and/or screenshots [https://archive.org/upload here] of content that cannot be archived via wayback machine (e.g. Twitter videos downloaded with yt-dlp).
* [https://ghostarchive.org/ Ghost Archive] – Secondary archival service.
* [https://megalodon.jp/ Megalodon] – Secondary, Japanese archival service. Can archive YouTube comments.
* [https://preservetube.com/ PreserveTube] – Specifically for archiving YouTube videos.

'''Archive.today has been deprecated.''' This is because they weaponised their site's visitors to [[wikipedia:Denial-of-service_attack#Distributed_DoS|DDOS]] some guy's blogs for bizarre internet argument reasons (which calls into question the reliability of the maintainer and site, and the ethics of using it), and it's also been alleged that they have tampered with archive pages, which hurts our ability to rely on the site as an archive which can be used to actually verify things and support the claims made in articles.

As archive.today is run by one person who has now brought a lot of scrutiny onto themselves through their actions, there's also a very real risk that they just take the site down, so where practical it would be sensible to migrate links archived using archive.today to an alternate archiving service.

The result of the Wikipedia community's discussion on this matter can be found {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/Archive.is_RFC_5|here}}.

For guidance on replacing Archive.today links, see {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Archive.today_guidance|here}}.

===Alternative frontends & mirrors===
The following is a list of services that expose more lightweight, HTML-based, and ultimately more archive-friendly user interfaces of popular sites. '''They are not archival services in and of themselves.''' Some instances may have captchas that end up blocking certain archival services, try several.

* [https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/wiki/Instances Nitter]: Allows for viewing Twitter/X replies without login and therefore only way to archive replies. The best way to cite Twitter/X references.
* [https://codeberg.org/irelephant/kittygram#instances Kittygram]: Nitter-like frontend for Instagram.
* [https://github.com/redlib-org/redlib-instances/blob/main/instances.md Redlib]: Lightweight like old.reddit, good for getting around 18+/nsfw gates that archival services cannot pass (some subreddits flag all posts as nsfw regardless of content).
* [https://sci-hub.st/ SciHub]: Allows for the free and open access viewing of PDFs of many papers, great for getting around academic publisher paywalls to directly archive cited papers by archiving the SciHub page hosting the PDF. Alternatively, try reaching out to original authors and they will usually be happy to provide a copy for reference/citation on this wiki.
* [[Special:Upload|Consumer Rights Wiki]]: Upload screenshots of pages or PDFs for direct quoting or if an archival service cannot get past something like a registration-wall. Do not upload more of an article than is necessary for supporting the citation. Archive the CRW link or upload the file to [https://archive.org/upload Internet Archive file uploads] as CRW is '''not an archive on its own'''.

==The list==
Below is a manually updated table of (hopefully) all pages on the wiki, and the current status of their references.

Pages that are missing a references section or have an empty references section are listed as "N/A" as they either do not have links that need archiving, or if they do then those links need to be correctly moved to the references section and/or the page completed/cleaned/reformatted before adding archived links, which is beyond the scope of this project (See [[:Category:Articles in need of additional work]]). This may change if references are properly added to these pages in the future.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Page Name!!References Archived?!!Archived By
|-
|[[1Password]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[2021 WhatsApp privacy policy updates]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3B CPAP Devices (3b Medical) (ReactHealth)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3CX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3D printers]]||N/A||
|-
|[[3D Printing restrictions and bans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[4k Video Downloader+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[5CA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[7-Eleven]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[About]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Accellion data breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Acer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Acer Leap Ware smartwatch bricked by discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Acer settles online breach probe for $115k]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Activision Blizzard]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activision Blizzard account lock and forced arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activision discontinues Blur video game]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ad block]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ADDW car systems legislated in the EU]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Adobe Creative Suite activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe Digital Editions' ebook DRM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe ToS update gives the company rights over consumers' works]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe sued by FTC over hidden fees in subscription plans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Advertising overload]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adware]]||N/A||
|-
|[[AEG Powertools]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AEG Power Tools 58V product line discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Age verification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AirAsia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AirPods]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[AirPods connection vulnerability]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[AirPods Max moisture issue]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Airsoft GI]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Airtel Axis Credit Card devaluation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Airthings ASA app release]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AI usage policy]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Akelius]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Alien Rides]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[AlienRides LLC tries and bans all importation of Electric Unicycles using patent law unless licensing fee is paid.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Alliance Laundry Solutions and Speed Queen]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Allstate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Alltech Services Inc]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Ally Financial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ally Invest Securities]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Amazon Fire TV]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle discontinues support for pre-2013 devices]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle removes download feature of purchased books]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon PhotosPlus discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon alters the content of purchased ebooks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon locks home owner out of Amazon account over allegation by Amazon delivery driver]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon Luna revocation of third-party games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon revokes access to their Appstore on non-Amazon devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Amazon to charge non-Prime consumers to use Alexa]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AMD]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AMD Platform Security Processor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ancestry.com]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android data collection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Android Developer Verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android System SafetyCore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anker]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anker Battery Bank Recall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anova Culinary]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Anova oven app subscription model]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anthem]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthem server shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthropic]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthropic Claude Code HERMES.md billing flaw]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Anthropic system prompt overrides consumersafety in Claude models]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Anti-Cheat Expert]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Anti-privacy legislation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Anti-rollback/ARB for device firmware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Aotearoa/New Zealand consumer law]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple's planned obsolescence incidents]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple App Store]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Apple authorized service provider program]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Gatekeeper]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Apple introduces OS-level age verification]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Apple macOS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Media Services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple removes apps aiding protests]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Self Service Repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple TV+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Applebee's]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Apps deliberately refusing to work on modded devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arby's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arduino]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ariston]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Arity's alleged unauthorized driver data collection through mobile apps]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Arlo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Ars Technica fake AI article on AI accusations]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Article suggestions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Artificial intelligence]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Artificial intelligence/training]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Assioma]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS charges for previously free service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[ASUS "sliding clip" battery connector defect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS downgrades a well-reviewed monitor panel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Asustor Drivestor NAS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AT&T]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Atlassian]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ATSC 3.0]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audi]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audible]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Audible class action lawsuit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audible subsidizes its streaming plan via premium credits]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Aura]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Australia Competition and Consumer Act 2010]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Autel - Otofix]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Authy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Autodesk]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Autodesk Fusion EOL on Intel based MacOS systems running OpenCore legacy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Automatic content recognition]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Automotive digital rights management]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Avid Technology]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AWS Lightsail Won't Cancel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Axis]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Axis Bank]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Axon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Backdoor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bait-and-switch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Balena]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Farm Manager]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Lab]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bambu Lab Authorization Control System]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Lab LAN mode guide]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bambu private keys leaked less than 24 hours after announcement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandai Namco EULA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandcamp]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Bandicam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandicam perpetual license invalidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Battery Health Assistance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Battery firmware lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Belkin]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Best Buy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Best Buy discontinuation of Insignia Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BetterHelp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Better Way Electronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bitly]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Bitly QRCodeGenerator.com QR code lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bitly QR Code preview page advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlackVue]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive, Ghost Archive, Megalodon
|-
|[[BlackVue firmware security vulnerabilities]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[BlackVue GPS location broadcasting]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[BlackVue mandatory app registration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Blink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloatware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloomberg]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloomberg DMCA strikes GamersNexus video]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Blu-Ray Ultra-HD DRM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlueCruise hands-free driving]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlueDriver OBD2 scanner now requires account login and collects data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW API restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[BMW's high beam assistant (HBA)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-p
|[[BMW Proprietary Screws]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Booking.com]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Booking.com Post-Payment Terms Disclosure]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Bootloader unlocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bosch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bosch Cloud Dishwasher Incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bosch Spexor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Bose]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Bose QuietComfort Sleepbuds doesn't allow purchasing new case]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Bose SoundTouch end of life treatment]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[BowFlex, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Box Tops for Education]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brainly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Brave browser]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brave puts affiliated links in the address bar]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brax]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Breville Coffee Maker]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brilliant]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Broadband choice reduction by Brendan Carr's FCC]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Broadcom Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Brother Industries Ltd.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother DCP-L3550CDW aftermarket toner failure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother printers causing issues with third party inks]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Buffalo Wild Wings]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bumpgate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bungie]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bunnings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bureau of Consumer Protection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Burger King]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Buy now, pay later]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Buy one, get one free]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[ByteDance]]||N/A||
|-
|[[California Privacy Rights Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cambridge Analytica Scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cameras bricked on iPhone 13 series after iOS update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Cami Research]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canadian Bill S-209]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canadian bread price fixing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canadian internet providers circumvent CRTC protection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canary]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Canon Camera Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon EOS Webcam Utility patch guide]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Canon ink DRM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon legacy scanner driver abandonment]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon printers disable scanning when ink is low]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canonical]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canva]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Canva 2019 data breach]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canva Affinity Studio adds arbitration clause]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Capital One]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Capital One Shopping]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[CAPTCHA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[CARIAD]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Carly]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Casey Stefanski]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Cava Grill]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cerberus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cerberus Phone Security Login with ad blocker no longer possible]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CF Moto puts previously included features behind paywall]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CgNAT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chamberlain Group]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chamberlain removes API access from new and existing garage door openers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Change.org]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Charles Schwab]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chase Bank]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chat Control]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[ChatGPT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ChatGPT-4o]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chevron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chick-fil-A]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Chipotle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Chrome OS ends support for school Chromebooks]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Chromium]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chuwi - 7430U product false advertisement]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cinemark]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Circular economy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco anti-competitive practices lawsuits]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Cisco Removing access to critical downloads for products that are end-of-support]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Requiring a service contract to download in-support device firmware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Smart Licensing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cisco Systems, Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Class action]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Claude]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive, Megalodon
|-
|[[Clearview AI]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Click-to-cancel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Click Adventure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Clip Studio Paint changes perpetual license to subscription model]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Clippy Campaign]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Cloud (service)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Cloudflare]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Clover Network, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[COBB Tuning]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Coffee Meets Bagel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Coles 'Down Down' price manipulation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Colgate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Collective Shout]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Colorado SB26-090 critical infrastructure exemption]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Comcast]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commercial weather apps lose summary proceedings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commodity Futures Trading Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commonwealth Bank collection of Biometric Data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CompTIA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ConnectedLife SmartDry discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consent-or-pay]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Advice (UK)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Defense Code]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Consumer Financial Protection Bureau]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Rights Act 2015]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Technology Association]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Corporate greed]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Costco]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Costco's collection and sharing of data through Meta's tracking pixel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Covert web-to-app tracking by Meta and Yandex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cox Communications]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Crash Team Racing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Crave app refuses televisions based on production date]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creality]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creality forces update that removes features from their 3D scanners]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creative Fabrica licensing risks and ownership verification concerns]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Cricut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Crunchyroll]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cryptic Studios]]||N/A||
|-
|[[CSS tracking]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cuisinart]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CursorAI adds rate limits to unlimited plans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CYBERGUN]]||N/A||
|-
|[[CYMA Airsoft]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Daily Wire + lifetime Membership Terms Scope of the Subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dairy Queen]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dark pattern]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Data brokers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Datacolor "sunsetting" older Spyder monitor calibrators]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Data lock-in]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DAZN]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DCS sues small YouTuber for accurate review]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[De-anonymization]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Dead star server shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Deep Cycle Systems]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[DeepSeek]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Deerrun walking pads & treadmills startup]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Delisting and shut down of Age of Empires 3]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dell]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denny's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denon HEOS Speakers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Denuvo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Derrimut Gym revokes 24/7 access after running sale promoting 24/7 access gym]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deutsche Kreditbank (DKB)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Device bricking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Device fingerprint]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Device lifecycle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deye]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dictionary.com shuts down premium app after selling lifetime subscriptions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Childhood Alliance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Fairness Act]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Digital Markets Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital rights management]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Disabling online features in retaliation]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Disc rot]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Discontinuation bricking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discontinuation of Ikawa Home Roasters]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Disboard]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Discord]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discord's mandatory age verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discord / 5CA Data Breach]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney requires an active subscription to delete a Disney+ account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+ ad policy change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+ household restrictions and access limitations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DIW7022 mandatory wireless operation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DJI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Osmo Pocket 3]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DJI Ronin RS4 Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Romo robot vacuum vulnerability]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DMarket]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[DMCA Section 1201]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Domino's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Doordash]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Downloadable content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DSGVO-Portal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DuckDuckGo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Duolingo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Duracell Energy EV Charger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dymo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dynamic pricing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson V10/V11 trigger design]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson battery lifespan reduced by design and difficult to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson covers circuit board in glue]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson ends relationship with third-party repair centers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[E-Bike Tuning Detection: Bosch and Yamaha’s Anti-Tampering Systems]]||N/A||
|-
|[[EA moves to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EA releases source code of classic command and conquer titles]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EA requires open beta players of battlefield 6 to change their motherboard bios settings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EBay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EBay opts-in users for AI training]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Echelon fitness firmware lockout]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Ecoflow]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EduVULCAN]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Eight Sleep]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EINSTAR VEGA hidden activation requirement before file transfer is enabled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Electronic Arts]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Electronics leasing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Elgato forces Stream Deck users to sign up]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Elon Musk]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Elsagate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat - ST55U]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[End-user license agreement]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Enshittification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Entities refusing to distribute copyleft licensed software under license terms]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EO]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Epic Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Epic Games forces third party account creation in Rocket League]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Epik]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Epson printer waste ink counter restrictions]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Etoro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[EU enforcement actions against Shein for consumer rights violations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Eufy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Europe-based news sites enact consent-or-pay for data tracking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[European Consumer Centre on the Lack of Quality Standards for Exalted Skins]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EVGA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EviCore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Excessive data collection by cars]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Extron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EZVIZ]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[F1TV concurrent streams limit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[F-Droid]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Facebook account recovery requires mobile phone verification with limited non-SMS alternatives]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fairphone 5 bricked by faulty Android 15 update]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Fake lifetime license]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fake memory still being sold on eBay and Amazon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fal (AI company)]]||N/A||
|-
|[[False advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fandom]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Fear of missing out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Feature ransom]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Features on demand]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Federal Communications Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Federal Trade Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ferrari]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Figma]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Figma threatens companies using "Dev Mode"]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fiio]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Filmora lifetime licenses terminated]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Final Draft software activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Financial Industry Regulatory Authority]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Financial censorship]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Firefox]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Firefox introduces TOS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[First-sale doctrine]]||N/A||
|-
|[[First Press Games not producing goods paid for]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fisher-Price discontinues Smart Connect app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fitbit]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 Battery Performance Program]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Flat Earth Clock App]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Flightradar24]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Flo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Flock Safety]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Flock Safety Nova uses dark web data for surveillance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Flock license plate readers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Forced app download]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced account]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced arbitration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced cloud]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forced eSIMs]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced identification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced indemnification]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forced retention of payment methods]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced User Agreement on Jetbrains IntelliJ software]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forcing full motherboard replacement in mid range phones]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ford ad patent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Ford Connected Built-In Navigation trial and removal of service]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford Mustang Mach E 2026 Requires Payment for Frunk]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Ford repossession patent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Formlabs]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Formlabs acquisition of Micronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Fortnite]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fossify]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Framework]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[FreePhoneLine revokes Lifetime VoIP service for monthly subscription model]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Free software movement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Friend app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Frontier Airlines]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Frontier Airlines obfuscates web check-in form]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fruitbat Factory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[FTC Lawsuit against Turbo Tax free software]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[FTC sues PepsiCo for rigging Soft Drink Competition]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fujifilm Instax Cameras]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Funimation "Forever" Content License Revocation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[FUTO]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Future Motion]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Futurehome]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Futurehome Smarthub mandatory subscription fee]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Gaia GPS adds "feature" that opts all users into social media profile and location/activity sharing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Game-of-telephone privacy policy]]||N/A||
|-
|[[GameSpy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GameSpy server shutdown]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GameStop]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[GameStop Short Squeeze]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Games as a service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GE Appliances]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Geeni]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GeForce Now]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[General Data Protection Regulation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Electric refrigerators]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors (OnStar)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors data collection and sharing controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Generative artificial intelligence]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Genshin Impact]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GE Refrigerator water filter DRM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gigantti pressured additional subscriptions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gillette]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GitHub]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Glance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Glasswire]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GOG.com]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoGuardian]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoIt changing its warranty conditions post-sale]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoPro]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoPro Karma]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[GoPro advertises waterproof cameras despite design flaw and lack of warranty]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoTo Group]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Good2Go Mobile (Canada) phases out 3G network, Merges with LuckyMobile]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Goodlife now require App to access gyms]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoodRX sells health information to advertisers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Android restrict app sideloading]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Chrome]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Google Chrome automatically disables uBlock Origin]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Chromebook]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google forces your device to join their "Find Hub" network, hard to opt out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Gemini]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Jamboard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google LSA terms of service change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Mobile Services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Nest]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google OnHub]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google password manager overrides third-party autofill]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Google Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel 9 Pro camera bar separates from phone body]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Buds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Buds "Touch and Hold" discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Watch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Google Play Integrity API]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google search engine supports opaqueness for companies]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GrapheneOS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GREE Electric]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Greenwashing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Groupon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gryphon Online Safety, Inc.]]||N/A||
|-
|[[GTA 5 moves to kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Guardzilla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Guide:How to circumvent Synology hard drive restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Guide: HP Ink Cartridge ID Chip Swap]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Guide - Windows 10 end of support]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Gun Safe Widespread Deceptive Advertising]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[H&R Block]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Haier]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Halfords Limited]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Happy Bar & Grill biometric surveillance tool development]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Happiest Baby]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hardware as a service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Hauptwerk expiration of perpetual license download]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HBO Max]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HBO Max downgrades lifetime subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[HealthEquity difficult login]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Helldivers 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HelloSimply.com]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HelloSimply.com: easy to subscribe, difficult to unsubscribe]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Hidden EULA language]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hikvision]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hisense]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hisense adds unskippable ads to its GUI on the Spanish models]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Hisense H9G Smart TV]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[HNGRYnsite Camera: From smart kitchen aid to e-waste]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hogwarts Legacy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Home Bargains]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Home Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Honda]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Honda requires connection of the car to the internet and creating an account to be able to download offline map updates.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Hotelgiftcard creates surprising expenses for consumers]]||N/A||
|-
|[[How to help]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HP adds 15 minutes to all customer service phone calls]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Dynamic Security]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Instant Ink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[HP Laptop Subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Printers locking functionality behind ink availability]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Reverb G2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP systemic DRM and firmware lockouts]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Huawei]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humane Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humble Bundle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Humble Bundle alters terms of sale]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hyundai]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brake pad repair restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[iCloud]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ID.me]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IFTTT]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IFTTT discontinued Legacy plan]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IHOP]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IKEA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IKEA ÅSKVÄDER]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ILife]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Imgur]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[In-N-Out Burger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Inactive account deletion]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Inclusion of forced arbitration in Crunchyroll January 2025 TOS update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Indeed forced arbitration and bundling of consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Infomaniak]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360 X5]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Instacart uses algorithmic pricing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Instagram]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Instagram removes end-to-end encryption for direct messages]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Intel]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Intel CPUs stability issue]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Intel Management Engine]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Interactive Brokers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Interchangeable parts]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Internet Archive]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Internet of things]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Intuit]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Invitation Homes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IP Biometrix]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[iPhone]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IPhone 6 error 53 fingerprint sensor incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[iRobot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Itch.io]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Itron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jack in the Box]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Jagex revokes grandfathered RuneScape monthly subscription pricing after purchasing yearly subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jailbreak]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jamba Juice]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JavaScript]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jeep]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JetBlue Travel Credits]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JetBrains retires CodeCanvas]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jimmy John's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[John Deere]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere dealerships lobby against right to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere fails to uphold right to repair agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[John Deere security flaws exposed sensitive customer information]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Jones v. Ford Motor Co.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kemper guitar amplifer modeler puts features behind paywall after firmware update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kerbal Space Program 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kernel level anti-cheats]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kernel level driver]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Keurig]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Keychron k13 pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Keyshot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KFC]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kilter Board]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KingSong]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KPN mandatory SMS authentication]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kroger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kroger Grocery store electronic shelf labels & facial recognition]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kroger merger deal with Albertson]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kwik Trip]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Kwikset discontinues Kevo smart lock app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[L.A. Noire "Patch" mandates use Rockstar Games Launcher and Social Club account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LA Fitness makes it purposely difficult to cancel memberships]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LaLiga forces Spanish ISPs to mass-block Cloudflare IPs during Soccer Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lamborghini]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LastPass]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Leadwerks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[League of Legends: Exalted Skins Exclusive Cosmetics]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Lebara]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Legal lockout]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Lemmy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo Mirage AR]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lenovo Tablets (Android)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Leo Express]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[LG Bootloader incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG G4 malfunctions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG Television sale of personal data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG refrigerator warranty scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Liberty Safe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lieferando]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Life360]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Life360 Terms of Service forced arbitration agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Lightspeed Aviation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lincare Holdings Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Linea Sketch revokes lifetime licenses]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LinkedIn]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[List of anti-consumer SLAPP lawsuits]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[List of Google products]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of companies]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of companies that automatically void warranties for repaired products]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of companies that block Internet Archive]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[List of discontinued online-only video games]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of kernel-level anti cheats]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of phones that do not allow bootloader unlock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of products and services with forced arbitration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of products and services with post-purchase license change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[List of products bricked by discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of services without clear cancellation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Litter Robot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Little Machine Shop]]||N/A||
|-
|[[LiveRamp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LiveView Technologies]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech G HUB]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech Harmony]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech webcams]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Louis Rossmann - Video Directory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[MagicGate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Magic Leap]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MakerBot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malicious compliance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malwarebytes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mandatory data collection on PlayStation's PC ports]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ManyCam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mark Zuckerberg]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mastercard]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Maytag]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda DMCA takedown of open source Home Assistant app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's 2017 India Leak]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's Japan malware attack]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[McDonald's South Korea and Taiwan Hack]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Medical equipment]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meetup.com account creation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mega.io]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Memrise]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meraki MS390]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercado Libre]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz EQS rear-wheel steering requires subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercury Insurance]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Merkury Innovations]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Meta]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meta AI permanent account suspensions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meta Portal]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Micron]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Micron retires Crucial products from consumer business]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Microsoft account]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Authenticator]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Copilot]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Microsoft Copilot's recall feature]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Edge]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft ends use of bypassnro.cmd for Windows 11]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Office 365]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Microsoft Windows]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Windows 11]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Miele]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MikroTik ignoring WiFi disconnecting after firmware upgrade on hAP ax3 / ax2 / cAP ax]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Miku]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Miku charges subscription for previously free features]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Miku Terms of Service and Arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Milwaukee battery drm]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MinIO Object Browser: Removal of Management Features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft account migration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft Beta pre-1.8's lack of authentication]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Minecraft Chat Reporting and Restriction]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Minecraft enforcing undisclosed server EULA terms]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Minecraft LAN gameplay paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft post-purchase ownership rights changes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[MinestoreCMS converting your license without approval]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MIRC]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MitID]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mitsubishi Group]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Model F Labs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Moderation problems in online marketplaces]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mojang]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Mojang shuts down community-run Minecraft servers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Molekule did not disclose air purifier data vulnerability]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down their app if purifiers used with third party air filters]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Monetization overload]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Monopoly]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Monoprice]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Monsanto]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Motorola]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Movies Anywhere]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mozilla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MSI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MSI motherboard CMOS battery obsolescence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mullvad VPN]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MyFitnessPal regressive upgrade]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Namecheap]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nanoleaf]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[National Grid USA smart meter data collection in New York and Massachusetts]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[National Security Agency]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NDAA has military right to repair stripped from it in favor of data as a service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Neato cloud shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Negative option marketing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nestlé]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NetLimiter]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Netatmo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netatmo Zigbee devices refuse to connect to third-party gateways]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Netflix]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix Games deactivated]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix delisting 23 game titles]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix stream-quality controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netgate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Newag]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ngenic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ngenic forces subscription on previously “lifetime” Tune customers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Niimbot label printer (RFID-tagged labels)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nike]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nike Adapt: Smart shoes with app Integration and discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nikon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Nintendo's May 2025 Policy Updates]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo 3rd party dock restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch bans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nissan]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nissan EVconnect application shutdowns (UK)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nissan shuts 2G car service in UK]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nitro PDF License Deactivating]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nitro Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nixplay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Non-disclosure agreement]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Non-fungible tokens]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[NOOK 1st gen devices end of life]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NordVPN]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Notability]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nothing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nothing Phone (1)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Now TV]]||N/A||
|-
|[[NOYB]]||N/A||
|-
|[[NProtect GameGuard]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Nvidia]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nvidia buys stake in Intel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nvidia threatens GamersNexus]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZ eRUC all-cars 24/7 GPS Surveillance proposal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZXT]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZXT Flex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Oasis Water]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Octopus Energy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Oculus (Meta) Quest 1 Deprecation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ofcom]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Okkazeo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ola Electric disables vehicle riding modes without MoveOS+ subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OneDrive]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OnePlus]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Oneplus AI tools / Mindspace]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Oneplus phone update introduces hardware anti-rollback]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[OpenAI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Openclaw.ai]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Opera]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Opt-out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Optimum]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Optus]]||N/A||
|-
|[[OtO Lawn discontinues solutions program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Other Channels - Video Directory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Otter.ai]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Palantir]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Panasonic Lumix S5IIX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Panda Express]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Panera Bread]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Panera's failure to disclose a known security breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Papa John's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Paragon NTFS software license invalidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Part pairing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Patreon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pay-walling]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PayPal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PayPal Honey]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[PayPal requests ID post-purchase for cryptocurrency]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Payscore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PCIe power connector design linked to melting GPU cables]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PEAK (video game)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pearson]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[PeerTube]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pelco]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Peloton]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Peloton removes Just Run feature]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Peloton used-equipment activation fee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PepsiCo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PepsiCo sued by FTC for rigging Soft Drink Competition]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Perplexity AI]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Perplexity throttles PRO subscribers without prior notice]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Persona]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Personal Data Protection Law]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Personal Information Protection Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Personalized ads]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PETKIT Pura Max 2 — Region-Lock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PFAS cover-up]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[PHH Mortgage Corporation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Philips]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Philips Hue: MotionAwareTM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Philips Hue starts requiring an account for the Hue app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Philips shuts down Smart TV service of a lot models sold between 2009 and 2013]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Phone Number Prefix Normative]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Photobucket]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pinterest]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pitboss Grills]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Pixel 5a]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pizza Hut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Planned obsolescence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PlayStation 3 "Yellow Light of Death"]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation 3 Removal of OtherOS with System Update 3.21]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation Lease with Flex]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PlayStation Network Account Requirement for PC Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation restricts how developers can give upgrades to "PS5" editions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Plex Media Server]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pluralsight]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pluralsight revokes lifetime licenses]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Plutus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PNC Bank]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pocket Casts]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Podkicker Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PolarBackup - Cloud Storage]]||N/A||
|-
|-
|[[Polestar]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Polestar 2]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Polestar paywalls performance update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Popeyes]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Positive practices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Post-purchase EULA modification]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Poste Italiane turned a free identification service into a subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Predatory microtransactions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Presonus removes VSL mixing app from VSL audio interfaces products line]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Price fixing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Printer tracking dots]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PROCON]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proposed Ring-Flock partnership (2025-2026)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Protection One 320P1 Security System]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proton]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proton Mail]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Proton Mail discloses activist IP address to police]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proven Industries v. Trevor McNally]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PsychonautWiki Journal locks drug & interaction tracking behind Paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Purism]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Qantas]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Qantas sale of tickets for cancelled services (ghost flights)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Qardio]]||N/A||
|-
|[[QIDI 3D printer house fire]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Qualcomm]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Quidd]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[QuikTrip]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[RAM Shortage]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Raylo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer account “Human Verification” promotes World ID biometric verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer Corp. Ends Software Degrading Consumer Devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Razer Pro Click and Pro Click Mini]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ReCAPTCHA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reason Studios]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reckon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Robin]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Red Shell tracker]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Sky Labs Muzio Player Premium post-purchase terms change]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Ventures]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Redbox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Reddit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reddit made it impossible for blind Redditors to moderate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Remote disabling]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Renault Zoe connected services subscription]]||N/A||
|-
|[[RepairShopr]]||N/A||
|-
|[[RepairShopr data privacy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ResellerRatings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Restaurant Brands International]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Restaurant Brands International caught training AI models using customer voices]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Retailers requiring police reports for missing items in orders]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Retroactive policy enforcement]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Retroid Pocket MINI Handheld]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reverse engineering Bambu Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reverse engineering vs illegal hacking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut blocked access for users with custom OS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut blocking Lyca Mobile automated payment blocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut verify ID email spam]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Richard Stallman]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rights stripping]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Right to own]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Right to repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ring]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Riot Vanguard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rivian]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Robinhood Financial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Roblox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roblox's problematic moderation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roborock]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rocksmith]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rockstar Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rohde & Schwarz]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Roku]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rosetta Stone]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rosetta Stone bricks legacy CD-based and downloadable software]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rovio]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Ryanair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Salad and Go]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Samsung ads in refrigerators]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Bothersome visual and audible pop up every 2 hours on certain TV models]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Frame TV asks for subscription to view photos]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3's camera gets artificially blocked after unlocking the bootloader]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Gear 360 software and services discontinued]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Odyssey]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Samsung One UI 8 Bootloader Restriction]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung self-repair program restrictions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung SmartCam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Samsung TVs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sandisk disables IXpand drive app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sandisk Wireless Flash Drives]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sassy Saints review copyright claim]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Save Wizard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Scopely, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Screenshot blocking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Scribd]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seagate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seagate sells old hard drives as new]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seattle Avionics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SecuROM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[SecuRam installs backdoor on ProLogic series safe locks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Secure boot]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Secure gateway module]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Securities and Exchange Commission]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Securities and Exchange Commission search tools]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Security]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Security through obscurity]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Self-destructive design]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Self-hosting]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sengled]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Serato DJ Pro / DJM-S11]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sevenhugs Smart Remote products discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sezzle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shake Shack]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shell]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Shimano]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Shoney's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shopee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shortage of medical ventilators during COVID-19 pandemic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shrinkflation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sideloading]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sig Sauer]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Signal]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Signal cloud backups]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SimplePractice]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Singapore police jail woman based on data stored in car infotainment system]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Singtel, Singapore Telecommunications Limited]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SiriusXM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Sketchfab]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Skoda Citigo Move&Fun app discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SkyDrop (Smart Irrigation)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Slack]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SLAPP suits and legal intimidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Slashdot websites require TOS acceptance without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smart meter]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartaira & plume wifi motion detection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartwool]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Smartwool adds forced arbitration to EULA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartyplus]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Snapchat]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Software as a service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Software bricking]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Software-gating]]||N/A||
|-
|[[SolaX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonos]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Sony]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony's attempted removal of "purchased" content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony PlayStation 30-day license check controversy (2026)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sony Playstation hardware bans from online services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Sony PlayStation Vita proprietary memory card ban]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony Xperia turns camera monitor into subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony x900h television]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sophos Limited]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SoundCloud]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sparx Skate Sharpener]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spectrum]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spore (game)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spotify]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Spotify Car Thing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Spyware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Square Reader]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Stadia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[StarForce Technologies]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Star Citizen]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Starlink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Starlink replaces subscription pause with $5/mo low speeds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Steam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Steam Deck]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SteamOS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SteelSeries]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis customer data breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis in-car advertisements]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[STMicroelectronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Stop Killing Games]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Storefront shutdown]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Storj.io constantly removes free or low cost services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stripe]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stångåstaden kickbacks and hidden rent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subaru Starlink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subscription service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subway]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subway footlong pass ineligibility]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[SumUp blocks card readers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SunStrong Management LLC puts solar monitoring app behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Superhive]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Swiffer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Swiggy and Zomato refuse to refund customers for cancelled orders]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Switch Game Key-Card]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Synology]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Systemd Adds Age Indication Ahead of Schedule]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Taco Bell]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tado]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Take Two]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tapo P115 firmware update breaks Home Assistant integration]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Target]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TD Ameritrade]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TDK AIsight]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tea Dating Advice]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Team17]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TeamViewer]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TeamViewer terminates perpetual licenses]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tekken 8 retroactively introducing micro transactions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telecom Egypt]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telegram]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telstra]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Temu]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Terms of service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Terumo Cardiovascular]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Terumo Cardiovascular discontinues third-party repair of System 1]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Tesla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Tesla Cybertruck voids warranty if Powershare feature is used]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla asks customers to vote against Right to Repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla blames drivers for part failures it admits were defective]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla locks battery range behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla locks heated rear seats behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla locks horsepower behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla Powerwall]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tesla remote FSD removal over third-party accessories]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tesla switches full self-driving to subscription only]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Testo disables free Saveris Cloud and forces paid subscription on existing customers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tesvor x500]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Texas Consumer Complaint Portal]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Texas Instruments]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The Coca-Cola Company]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The Consumer Right to Repair Digital Electronics Equipment Act (Colorado)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[The Economist]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[The Italian digital identity wallet only supports Google-certified Android devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The US undermines the Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework with the EU by firing PCLOB staff]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The rights of residential and holiday mobile homeowners (England)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Thinkpad X1 Carbon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Thrive Market]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tidal updates terms without explanation or opportunity to decline]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TikTok]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TikTok and AI-powered ad tracking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tim Hortons]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tim Hortons app collects user data without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tinder]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[T-Mobile T-Life app screen recording controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[T-Mobile US]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tokyo Marui]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Tom Evans Audio copyright strike]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Tonies]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Top Contributors]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Toyota]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[TP-Link]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TracFone Wireless, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Trump Mobile]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Trusted computing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Turkcell Superonline]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Tuya Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Twitch]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tyre warranty sold via mobile fitting, redeemable only at fixed garages]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Uber]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Uber EULA precludes jury trial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubiquiti]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ubisoft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Ubisoft forces players in single-player games to be connected to the internet to collect data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubisoft in-game data collection GDPR complaint (2025)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubox / Anisee / RBX-B10 4G Low-Power Solar Wifi Security Camera]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[UFC-Que Choisir]]||N/A||
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[UltiMaker]]||N/A||
|-
|[[UniTranslate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Uniform Commercial Code]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[United Chargers Inc puts Open Source interface access behind paywall on Grizzl-E car chargers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unity]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unity Engine runtime fee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Universal Music Group has a team dedicated to eroding fair use rights]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Unlocking Technology Act of 2013]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unnecessary retirement of Microsoft Office Lens]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[UPS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Urban Air Adventure Park]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[USAGov]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[US Bureau of Consumer Protection]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[User testing for mandatory paid subscription into Tado Smart Thermostat app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[US Mobile]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[VPN Secure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Value based pricing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Valve removes arbitration requirement from Steam Subscriber Agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Varusteleka]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Venmo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Veo paywalls camera features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vercel's anti-consumer recharge]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Verisk Analytics, Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Verizon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Verkada Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[VidIQ]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Video Games Europe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Video game preservation]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Videos to Convert to Articles]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Viessmann]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Virgin Media]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Virtual Racing School]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Visa]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Visual Studio Code]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[VitalSource "Lifetime" false advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vital Proteins sells products with terms and conditions inside the container]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vitalant]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vivint Smart Home, Inc.]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Vizio]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio fined by the FTC for collecting and selling user data without consumer consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio sued over unfairly appropriated software for their SmartCast system]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vizio Walmart account requirement for smart TV features]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VMware]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VMware licensing change since acquisition by Broadcom]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vodafone disables IPv4 support on mobile broadband network]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Voice over LTE]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VOIPO overbills customers and denys refunds]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen AG - SFD(2) / UNCE - Protection of car diagnosis]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen car-location data-exposure incident]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Voluntary Recall of NVIDIA Shield K1 Tablets]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volvo VIDA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vont]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[VRChat]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VRS Sim Racing Wheel Base full torque locked behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vulcan Strength]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Vultr]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wacom]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Wacom legacy tablet driver abandonment]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Waffle House]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Wallbox Quasar]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Walmart]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Walmart's Onn devices bricked after update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Warcraft III legacy CD keys no longer redeemable on Battle.net]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Warp.dev]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Washington house bill 2321 regarding 3d printers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Waste ink counter]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Waymo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Web cookie]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wegmans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wendy's]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WeTransfer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Wemo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wemo discontinuation of service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Western Digital]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[What3words]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WhatsApp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Whistle pet tracker shutdown IoT fail]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Whoop]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Windows installation USB drives]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Winston-Salem Journal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WKDA GmbH]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube
|-
|[[Wondershare]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Preservetube
|-
|[[World of Warcraft]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Wyze]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[XAI]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Xbox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Xbox Game Pass]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xbox Network]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xcode]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[X Corp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Xiaomi]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Xiaomi Phone unlock requirements and procedure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xiaomi Yi Home]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xlear]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yahoo!]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Yahoo! mandatory use of AI on all consumer services and content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yandex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[You Need A Budget]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[YouTube]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[YouTube age verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Yubo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yum! Brands]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Zoom (product)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; {{colortext|orange|Archive.today}}
|-
|[[Zoom changed Terms of Service for Data Collection and Force Arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Zoom Communications]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Zyxel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|}

[[Category:Projects]]

Hisense H9G Smart TV

2026-05-05T03:53:18Z

Sojourna: Clean-up; pass on style.

{{Stub}}
{{ProductLineCargo
|ArticleType=
|Category=Smart TV
|Company=Hisense
|InProduction=No
|Logo=Hisense H9G.jpg
|ReleaseYear=2020
|Website=
|Description=
}}

'''{{PAGENAME}}''' was manufactured and sold by Hisense between 2020 and 2023. During that time, it was considered the company's flagship model, and still retails at $1,400 on Amazon as of February 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Delaney |first=John R. |title=Hisense 65H9G Quantum Series Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/hisense-65h9g-quantum-series?test_uuid=02LlF0iWKsilxYTJVF8uH5y&test_variant=B |website=PCMag |date=17 Aug 2020 |access-date=25 May 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004104044/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/hisense-65h9g-quantum-series?test_uuid=02LlF0iWKsilxYTJVF8uH5y&test_variant=B |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> The H9G Smart TV runs off of Android TV operating system and had quite good ratings on internet review sites. Canadian models of this product were called Q9G.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Tozzi |first1=Alexander |last2=Di Giovanni |first2=Nicholas |last3=Khong |first3=Yannick |title=Hisense H9G TV Review |url=https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/hisense/h9g |website=RTINGS.com |date=11 Nov 2020 |access-date=24 May 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251117231047/https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/hisense/h9g |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref>

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

Hisense failed to offer recourse to consumers whose smart TVs broke due to faulty manufacturing. Where OEM replacement parts could have been provided or recalls could have been issued, Hisense instead forced its customers to waste their time, effort, and money to safely dispose of the 55-inch and 65-inch TVs.{{Citation needed|date=4 May 2026}}

==Incidents==
Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Defective SK Hynix chips and lawsuit (''2024—'')===
The model H9G/Q9G smart TVs were manufactured using a SK Hynix chip on their main board. According to YouTuber Salem Techsperts, a batch of these chips provided to Hisense were defective, causing thousands of smart TVs to fail in the same manner — a bootloading loop.<ref>{{Cite web |author=SalemTechsperts |title=Why are TV's so disposable? Hisense WiFi / storage full bootloop #tech #pc #technology #shorts |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MkmLH-uOwI |website=[[YouTube]] |date=9 Apr 2024 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=7MkmLH-uOwI |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Hisense did not recall the product and provided no recourse for customers who, in some cases, had their TV break within two years of purchase.<ref>{{Cite web |author=ThatIrishGuy74 |title=H9G main Board problems |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Hisense/comments/s9ap2d/h9g_main_board_problems/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=21 Jan 2022 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220121142942/https://old.reddit.com/r/Hisense/comments/s9ap2d/h9g_main_board_problems/ |archive-date=21 Jan 2022}}</ref> Hisense also made replacement main boards unavailable.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=270342 Hisense Main Board |url=https://hisense.encompass.com/item/12583046/Hisense/270342/ |website=[[Hisense]] |date= |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004104037/https://hisense.encompass.com/item/12583046/Hisense/270342/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> OEM SK Hynix H26M41204HPR chips could not be found online.

On 26 September 2024, Matthew Deyell filed a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit against Hisense USA Corp for "concealing a known defect and failing to repair or reimburse affected consumers."<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Hisense’s Smart TV Disaster: The Class Action Lawsuit You Need to Know About |url=https://www.lawinc.com/hisense-smart-tv-class-action-lawsuit |website=Law/Inc |date=17 Nov 2024 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251205141335/https://www.lawinc.com/hisense-smart-tv-class-action-lawsuit
|archive-date=5 Dec 2025}}</ref> The lawsuit alleges similar causes and effects occur in "2019-present Hisense 4K Android smart TVs, including the H8, H9, H65, U6, U8, and A6 series," none of which are currently offered on Hisense's website.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Android TVs - Hisense USA |url=https://www.hisense-usa.com/televisions/all-tvs?filter=%255B%257B%2522id%2522%253A10%252C%2522type%2522%253A%2522CF%2522%252C%2522values%2522%253A%255B%2522Android%2520TV%2522%255D%257D%255D |website=Hisense |date= |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250405124013/https://www.hisense-usa.com/televisions/all-tvs?filter=%255B%257B%2522id%2522%253A10%252C%2522type%2522%253A%2522CF%2522%252C%2522values%2522%253A%255B%2522Android%2520TV%2522%255D%257D%255D |archive-date=5 Apr 2025}}</ref>

On 28 August 2025, Judge Amy Totenberg granted Hisense's motion to compel arbitration and dismissed the civil case, pending completion of the arbitration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Totenburg |first=Amy |title=''Deyell v. Hisense USA Corp.'' (1:24-cv-04363) |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/55281262/Deyell_v_Hisense_USA_Corp |website=PacerMonitor |date=8 Aug 2025 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/Z1sDb |archive-date=5 May 2026}}</ref> No updates on the status of the case nor the arbitration are available as of 4 May 2026.

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

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Hisense]]

Quidd

2026-05-05T02:56:56Z

Sojourna: Using third-party community tools for purposes of archiving tweets is fine, but the URL field for the citation must point to the actual domain being cited.

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2016
|Industry=Entertainment
|Logo=Quidd.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://market.onquidd.com/
|Description=Quidd was an American online marketplace for facilitating trade between owners of digital collectibles and NFTs. It suddenly ceased operations in January 2025.
}}

'''Quidd''' was a privately-held American collectible app founded in 2016 by Michael Bramlage and Erich Wood.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Quidd |url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/quidd-inc |website=[[LinkedIn]] |date= |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194952/https://www.linkedin.com/company/quidd-inc |archive-date=8 Jul 2025
}}</ref> According to their LinkedIn, the app had 19 employees, over 8 million users and represented 325 brands as collectible digital stickers. In 2017, the app was #1 in search and #5 in the App Store's entertainment category.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/918843147429564416 |website=[[X]] |date=13 Oct 2017 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194948/https://x.com/quidd/status/918843147429564416  |archive-date=8 Jul 2025  |quote=1️⃣ in Trending searches and 5️⃣in Entertainment?! We’ll take it! 👏😎🎉}}</ref> In 2019, the company would be bought by the Hong Kong-based company Animoca Brands, who would move the 2.1 billion individually serialized digital collectibles on the blockchain.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |title=Animoca Brands buys Quidd for up to $8 million as it moves into blockchain collectibles |url=https://venturebeat.com/business/animoca-brands-buys-quidd-for-up-to-8-million-as-it-moves-into-blockchain-collectibles/ |website=VentureBeat |date=7 Aug 2019 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250328110021/https://venturebeat.com/business/animoca-brands-buys-quidd-for-up-to-8-million-as-it-moves-into-blockchain-collectibles/ |archive-date=28 Mar 2025}}</ref> In 2022, the company would introduce "Mintables," which let users turn their stickers into NFTs<ref name="A2022">{{Cite web |last=Otieno |first=Nicholas |title=Quidd Launches New Platform Mintables, Enabling Users to Mint Digital Collectibles into NFTs |url=https://blockchain.news/news/quidd-launches-new-platform-mintablesenabling-users-to-mint-digital-collectibles-into-nfts |website=blockchain.news |date=22 Jun 2022 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119001959/https://blockchain.news/news/quidd-launches-new-platform-mintablesenabling-users-to-mint-digital-collectibles-into-nfts |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> and convert them into Etherium.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bramlage |first=Michael |date=22 Mar 2023 |title=Michael Bramlage on X |url=https://x.com/mbram/status/1638599791490768909 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321161858/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/mbram/status/1638599791490768909 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=Lightning Fast Minting (TM) 😀 Also, don’t have ETH or even know what ETH is? Who cares. We’ll cover your gas fees. What’s a gas fee? Who cares. Doesn’t matter either. Don’t want to mint? Who cares. You don’t have to. It’s up to the collector, as it should be.}}</ref> These brands included Dr. Seuss,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loizos |first=Connie |title=This Dapper Labs-backed company is turning Dr. Seuss characters into NFT trading cards |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/22/this-dapper-labs-backed-company-is-turning-dr-seuss-characters-into-nft-trading-cards/ |website=TechCrunch |date=22 Dec 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194938/https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/22/this-dapper-labs-backed-company-is-turning-dr-seuss-characters-into-nft-trading-cards/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> L.O.L Suprise,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=MGA Entertainment Partners With Quidd for L.O.L. Surprise! ™ Digital Collectibles and NFTs |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mga-entertainment-partners-quidd-l-120000526.html |website=[[Yahoo!]] |date=22 Mar 2022 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250328092426/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mga-entertainment-partners-quidd-l-120000526.html |archive-date=28 Mar 2025}}</ref> Disney,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Bare Tree Media |title=Bare Tree Media and Quidd Team Up to Offer Digital Collectibles for Popular Licensed Brands |url=https://www.newswire.com/news/bare-tree-media-and-quidd-team-up-to-offer-digital-collectibles-for-21714386 |website=NewsWire |date=18 May 2022 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708195007/https://www.newswire.com/news/bare-tree-media-and-quidd-team-up-to-offer-digital-collectibles-for-21714386 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> Spongebob,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bramlage |first=Michael |date=30 Dec 2023 |title=Michael Bramlage on X |url=https://x.com/mbram/status/1708162937871835631 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321161911/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/mbram/status/1708162937871835631 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=Quiddward! Super excited for @SpongeBob on @quidd ... It’ll be hard to stay quiet on this one. Details coming soon!}}</ref> Rick and Morty,<ref name="A2022" /> and others.

==Consumer impact summary==
===Freedom===
According to a Quidd operator, the terms allow Quidd to take away collections from users without reason.<ref>{{Cite web |author=millerflip89 |title=millerflip89 on X |url=https://x.com/millerflip89/status/1876974310406885844 |website=[[X]] |date=8 Jan 2025 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250120130414/https://x.com/millerflip89/status/1876974310406885844 |archive-date=20 Jan 2025 |quote=Long time Quidd opp here, Quidd and their T.O.S and privacy policy was to make sure in stating it could take entire collections at any time without notice. #1 issue is once crypto was involved all value of any item in app was brought to zero due to it being valued off QUIDD TOKEN}}</ref> This can be confirmed with the latest revision of the terms (14 July 2020) in the "Quidd Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability" section, where Quidd will only refund users a maximum of $100 for damages or lost profits.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Terms of Use |url=https://quidd.co/terms |website=Quidd |date=14 Jul 2020 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909141011/https://quidd.co/terms |archive-date=9 Sep 2024}}</ref> Most importantly, Quidd states that users "do not own the Virtual Coins or the Virtual Goods that are exchanged using the App" but rather have a "limited license" to their collections and coins.

===Privacy===
The privacy policy states that Quidd can collect information on your device, including the operating system, processor information, MAC address, location, network type, language, and time spent on certain pages.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://quidd.co/privacy |website=Quidd |date=14 Jul 2020 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207061804/https://quidd.co/privacy |archive-date=7 Dec 2024}}</ref> There are also mentions of sharing user analytic data with third-party companies.

===Business model===
Quidd's business model was to have users purchase coins and packs with real money.

==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]].

===Data breach (''2019'')===
In 2019, the Quidd portal was hacked, exposing 4 million user accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baran |first=Guru |title=Hackers Stolen 4 Million Quidd Username and passwords and Shared on Hacking Forum |url=https://cybersecuritynews.com/4-million-quidd/ |website=Cyber Security News |date=15 Apr 2020 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250328085828/https://cybersecuritynews.com/4-million-quidd/ |archive-date=28 Mar 2025}}</ref> The information in these accounts included user names, e-mail addresses, and passwords from the hacked accounts. The data was made for sale in October of that year.

===Discord server (''2021'')===
On 3 July 2021, users discussed cdh chase packs that would be falsely advertised and mentioned the Consumer Rights Act of 2015 as a basis for a lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt
|title=Lawsuits incoming? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/od1cjv/lawsuits_incoming/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=3 Jul 2021 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210703163116/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/od1cjv/lawsuits_incoming/ |archive-date=3 Jul 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Quidd Google Play reviews (1).png|right|thumb|alt=|A review confirming the anti-semitism.]]
On 10 July 2021, a user in the Quidd Discord server alleged the CEO bought a Star Trek award he was selling for $1,200 as a way to show the value in the marketplace.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title=Only worth it if you buy from yourself! Guess they probably don't pay tax either! |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/ohpzn0/only_worth_it_if_you_buy_from_yourself_guess_they/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=10 Jul 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210710201513/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/ohpzn0/only_worth_it_if_you_buy_from_yourself_guess_they/ |archive-date=10 Jul 2021}}</ref> On the same day, a moderator on the server was seen making anti-semitic remarks regarding an employee.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title=Quidd mod proud to be banned from topps aps for selling on ebay and racial messages to employees. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/nlpubf/quidd_mod_proud_to_be_banned_from_topps_aps_for/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=26 May 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210526195257/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/nlpubf/quidd_mod_proud_to_be_banned_from_topps_aps_for/ |archive-date=26 May 2021}}</ref>

On 15 May 2022, a user alleged some staff accounts were given funds to "pump demand" for drops and pass cards, with a moderator mentioning the user's first name and state in a reply they will "smack" them.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title=So when quidd gets called for giving cash to staff accounts to buy drops and pass cards (to pup demand) they Doxx a user and threaten to assault them! |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/uqdm9v/so_when_quidd_gets_called_for_giving_cash_to/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=15 May 2022 |access-date=9 Mar 2026
|url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250312094927/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/uqdm9v/so_when_quidd_gets_called_for_giving_cash_to/ |archive-date=12 Mar 2025}}</ref> This was on top of a similar alleged incident in June 2021 where server mods would "pass cards" between each other, which was against the terms of service.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title=Quidd did say anyone passing cards for chases would get suspended. Wonder if that includes the Mods and their squad? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/o72ril/quidd_did_say_anyone_passing_cards_for_chases/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=24 Jun 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210624150708/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/o72ril/quidd_did_say_anyone_passing_cards_for_chases/ |archive-date=24 Jun 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title="Trading cards" is against "fair play" ToS... Unless its mods doing it to get high value mintables. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/oq7c0u/trading_cards_is_against_fair_play_tos_unless_its/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=23 Jul 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210725210954/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/oq7c0u/trading_cards_is_against_fair_play_tos_unless_its/ |archive-date=25 Jul 2021}}</ref> The server rules would prevent users from posting cheating or foul play evidence in the server.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title=Got it. Mods are above the Rules and you have to report their issues to them which they ignore. But good that they self apoint themselves as above the rules after they been breaking ToS the whole time! |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/o753ki/got_it_mods_are_above_the_rules_and_you_have_to/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=24 Jun 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210624170145/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/o753ki/got_it_mods_are_above_the_rules_and_you_have_to/ |archive-date=24 Jun 2021}}</ref>

===Sudden closure of service (''2025'')===
<blockquote>[[File:Quidd app pop-up message.png|thumb|right|200px|alt=|The message given to users starting 3 January 2025.]] It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Quidd’s closure. Since our beginning, we have been honored to build a space where collectors, artists, and enthusiasts could come together to celebrate the vibrant world of digital collectibles. Your creativity, passion, and unwavering support have been the heartbeat of Quidd, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Every interaction, every piece of art, and every collaboration has left an indelible mark on us, filling us with both gratitude and inspiration. It has been our privilege to witness the incredible community you’ve built—a testament to your shared love for creativity and innovation.

As of today, January 3, 2025, all transactions and services on Quidd will cease. Between now and January 31, 2025, you may request the withdrawal of your cash deposit funds by clicking the ‘Request Withdrawal’ button below.

We understand this news may be difficult, and we are here to support you during this transition. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at support@myquidd.com. We also encourage you to visit our website and follow our social channels for the latest updates, as the Quidd app will no longer be available.

In regards to your collections, we are currently reviewing options and plan to have an update shortly.

To every member of the Quidd community: thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. We will cherish the memories we’ve created together.

'''With heartfelt gratitude,'''

''The Quidd Team'' </blockquote>

On 3 January 2025, the app would receive an non-closable pop-up stating "Quidd is closing its doors. Please go to market.onquidd.com for more information." On their website, they did not state a reason for the closure, but rather they thanked the users for utilizing the service and told users to withdraw their funds manually.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Quidd Market |url=https://market.onquidd.com/ |website=Quidd |date=3 Jan 2025 |access-date=4 Jan 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104045818/https://market.onquidd.com/ |archive-date=4 Jan 2025}}</ref> At the time, users could only log into the website and withdraw their current funds from their accounts, which did not include total collection value or sales.<ref>{{Cite web |author=ssymes101 |date=4 Jan 2025 |title=ssymes101 on X |url=https://x.com/ssymes101/status/1875358003639284012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0322-0126-26/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com:443/ssymes101/status/1875358003639284012 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=What's the likelihood of sales proceeds also being available for withdrawal?}}</ref> Interestingly, rather than giving an early announcement about the closure on 23 December 2024, Quidd released a Betty Boops Holiday Magic collection set.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/1871267200008421877 |website=[[X]] |date=23 Dec 2024 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120130410/https://x.com/quidd/status/1871267200008421877 |archive-date=20 Jan 2025 |quote=Betty Boops Holiday Magic 💋❄️ drops today! 🗓️ Monday 12/23 ⏰ 5pm ET {{!}} 2pm PT <nowiki>https://market.onquidd.com/brands/5889/packs?routes=5889</nowiki> #BettyBoop #Quidd}}</ref> However, on 20 December 2024, the Twitter/X account stated "Quidd offices will be closed for the holidays from December 20, 2024, to January 2, 2025."<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/1870192787737526622 |website=[[X]] |date=20 Dec 2024 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194955/https://x.com/quidd/status/1870192787737526622 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |quote=Quidd offices will be closed for the holidays from December 20, 2024, to January 2, 2025. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to reconnecting with you in the new year. Happy Holidays! 🎄☃️🎁}}</ref>

On 4 January 2025, Quidd announced they were working with POP Culture, Inc. to preserve user collections.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/1875652152590545369 |website=[[X]] |date=4 Jan 2025 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708195000/https://x.com/quidd/status/1875652152590545369 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |quote=🚨Update regarding Quidd assets: POP Culture, Inc. is working to preserve your collections As a first step, connect with them using the form below. This will help them make the transition as smooth as possible by giving you timely updates on your collections and the transition process. <nowiki>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI</nowiki>}}</ref> Users would have to manually fill a Google Form with their e-mail and Quidd username to have the ability to save their collection.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=POP Culture, Inc. is Working to Preserve Your Collections |url=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuoNA6c20z934i9rwoVKYtULX_kmP1cT3yVUK7rbeRnLu24Q/viewform |website=[[Google]] |date=4 Jan 2025 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107013237/https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuoNA6c20z934i9rwoVKYtULX_kmP1cT3yVUK7rbeRnLu24Q/viewform |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref> Many users took this announcement as empty promises<ref>{{Cite web |author=Joe22367619 |date=4 Jan 2025 |title=Joe22367619 on X |url=https://x.com/Joe22367619/status/1875655325430509816 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321162524/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/Joe22367619/status/1875655325430509816 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=Sounds like more empty promises. What about people who has transactional / withdrawable balances ? You’re only refunding back deposits.}}</ref> and requested previous functionality, such as minting and selling.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Dogstar3c |date=5 Jan 2025 |title=Dogstar3c on X |url=https://x.com/Dogstar3c/status/1875741590008033765 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321162954/https://nitter.catsarch.com/Dogstar3c/status/1875741590008033765 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=We want our money back theives and I think the IRS needs to investigate all those that made financial decisions especially @mbram who appears to have taught how to money laundering. I feel 4 a couple of the staff who weren't scammers but f**k me the highers belong in jail}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=s1vh |date=10 Jan 2025 |title=s1vh on X |url=https://x.com/s1vh/status/1877675184364114392 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321163006/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/s1vh/status/1877675184364114392 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=Will POP Culture, Inc. let us mint our mintables? Because announcing closure without giving us a time window for minting so we can move our assets away from the platform truly feels like a rug. 🤨}}</ref>

As of 2 March 2025, the popup has been updated to state "Quidd was shut down on 31st December 2024." with no mention of the website. Going to the website now redirects to "quidd.cloudflareaccess.com" which requires e-mail verification to log in. On 7 March 2025, users who filled out the Google Form received an e-mail from Pop Culture, Inc. stating "we were unable to reach a final agreement to acquire the platform due to a variety of factors out of our control."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayden |first=Michael |title=Quidd Collectibles Update |url=https://mailchi.mp/onshushu.com/quidd-collectibles-update |website=MailChimp |date=7 Mar 2025 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322184303/https://mailchi.mp/onshushu.com/quidd-collectibles-update |archive-date=22 Mar 2025}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Quidd app pop-up message 03-2025.png|The updated popup as of March 2, 2025.
File:Quidd app website 03-2025.png|The result of typing "market.onquidd.com" into a web browser as of 2 March 2025.
File:Quidd collectibles update from POP Culture.png|The full email from Pop Culture Inc. stating their inability to purchase Quidd.
</gallery>

====Implications====
Before the shutdown, users could buy and sell NFT collectibles on the Quidd marketplace for virtual currency, which could be exchanged for real money through a cash account.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Cash Account |url=https://intercom.help/quidd/en/collections/2696326-cash-account |website=Quidd |date= |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915231810/https://intercom.help/quidd/en/collections/2696326-cash-account |archive-date=15 Sep 2024}}</ref> In addition, it was alleged the founder Micheal Bramlage promised users before the 2019 acquisition that users could keep their collections even if the service closed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Antonieu |date=4 Jan 2025 |title=Antonieu Wiseman on X |url=https://x.com/Ayyee38/status/1875339313501843827 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321163201/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/Ayyee38/status/1875339313501843827 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |website=[[X]] |quote=People literally spent thousands of dollars on here with a clear understanding that we could keep our collections for 100 plus years even if quidd shuts down is what @mbram said years ago}}</ref> In the past, collectibles would be sold for as high as $255-$500 each depending on their "rarity"<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/1367685868455092225 |website=[[X]] |date=5 Mar 2021 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194944/https://x.com/quidd/status/1367685868455092225 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |quote=It's LeBron vs. Spider-Man vs. Captain Kirk vs. Shrimp Rick over on Quidd. Just a normal day in the marketplace.}}</ref> with users spending hundreds of dollars to complete collectible sets.<ref>{{Cite web |author=DonnieLemon69 |date=22 Jan 2025 |title=DonnieLemon69 on X |url=https://x.com/donnielemon69/status/1882145343925834149 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321163210/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/donnielemon69/status/1882145343925834149 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=I collected hundreds of dollars worth of Atari NFT from Quidd had all the sets.. Sad.}}</ref> In the first week of March 2021, over $53,000 worth of withdrawals were processed.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/1371110813398937613 |website=[[X]] |date=14 Mar 2021 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194947/https://x.com/quidd/status/1371110813398937613 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |quote=Update on withdrawals: - $53,000+ processed last week - 2x the previous week (!!!) - Paid out to nearly 200 collectors - All eligible requests processed Friday afternoon - Average time from request to cash: 3 days! Digital collecting paid for some nice dinners on Friday 💸😎}}</ref>

Due to the failure of Pop Culture, Inc.'s ability to acquire Quidd, all of the users' collectible stickers and minted NFTs are inaccessible, with no way for users to sell their collections.
<gallery>
File:Quidd app 2017.jpg|An example of the Quidd app in 2017.
File:Quidd app intro 5.png|Discusses how users can profit off of selling digital collectibles.
File:Quidd app intro 6.png|Discusses how users can use profits to "buy a pizza or even a Porsche".
File:Quidd app intro 7.png|Discusses how user collections are securely stored on the cloud and "aren't going anywhere".
File:Quidd app intro 8.png|Discusses how users can "own your collectible forever" through the blockchain.
</gallery>

[[File:Quidd Google Play reviews (2).png|right|thumb|alt=|Google Play store reviews after service shutdown.]]
With their announcement on Twitter/X, users compared this behavior from Quidd to a "rug pull".<ref>{{Cite web |author=spencer_hames |date=9 Jan 2025 |title=spencer_hames on X |url=https://x.com/spencer_hames/status/1877188802642325972 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0322-0136-16/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com:443/spencer_hames/status/1877188802642325972 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=wait so all the money i put into stuff and packs i cant sell because you want to rug pull us? that class action lawsuit will hit our bank accounts in a good way and a bad way in yours.}}</ref> In addition, many users warned Quidd of a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Lex_407 |date=4 Jan 2025 |title=Lex_407 |url=https://x.com/Lex_407/status/1875563383279472987 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321163528/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/Lex_407/status/1875563383279472987 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=Assets and funds that were made in sales, which at this moment, it says I have no funds. You guys better figure things out or there will be a lot of us filing a class action.}}</ref>

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

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Quidd

2026-05-05T02:51:15Z

Sojourna:

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2016
|Industry=Entertainment
|Logo=Quidd.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://market.onquidd.com/
|Description=Quidd was an American online marketplace for facilitating trade between owners of digital collectibles and NFTs. It suddenly ceased operations in January 2025.
}}

'''Quidd''' was a privately-held American collectible app founded in 2016 by Michael Bramlage and Erich Wood.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Quidd |url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/quidd-inc |website=[[LinkedIn]] |date= |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194952/https://www.linkedin.com/company/quidd-inc |archive-date=8 Jul 2025
}}</ref> According to their LinkedIn, the app had 19 employees, over 8 million users and represented 325 brands as collectible digital stickers. In 2017, the app was #1 in search and #5 in the App Store's entertainment category.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/918843147429564416 |website=[[X]] |date=13 Oct 2017 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194948/https://x.com/quidd/status/918843147429564416  |archive-date=8 Jul 2025  |quote=1️⃣ in Trending searches and 5️⃣in Entertainment?! We’ll take it! 👏😎🎉}}</ref> In 2019, the company would be bought by the Hong Kong-based company Animoca Brands, who would move the 2.1 billion individually serialized digital collectibles on the blockchain.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |title=Animoca Brands buys Quidd for up to $8 million as it moves into blockchain collectibles |url=https://venturebeat.com/business/animoca-brands-buys-quidd-for-up-to-8-million-as-it-moves-into-blockchain-collectibles/ |website=VentureBeat |date=7 Aug 2019 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250328110021/https://venturebeat.com/business/animoca-brands-buys-quidd-for-up-to-8-million-as-it-moves-into-blockchain-collectibles/ |archive-date=28 Mar 2025}}</ref> In 2022, the company would introduce "Mintables," which let users turn their stickers into NFTs<ref name="A2022">{{Cite web |last=Otieno |first=Nicholas |title=Quidd Launches New Platform Mintables, Enabling Users to Mint Digital Collectibles into NFTs |url=https://blockchain.news/news/quidd-launches-new-platform-mintablesenabling-users-to-mint-digital-collectibles-into-nfts |website=blockchain.news |date=22 Jun 2022 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119001959/https://blockchain.news/news/quidd-launches-new-platform-mintablesenabling-users-to-mint-digital-collectibles-into-nfts |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> and convert them into Etherium.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bramlage |first=Michael |date=22 Mar 2023 |title=Michael Bramlage on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/mbram/status/1638599791490768909 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321161858/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/mbram/status/1638599791490768909 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=Lightning Fast Minting (TM) 😀 Also, don’t have ETH or even know what ETH is? Who cares. We’ll cover your gas fees. What’s a gas fee? Who cares. Doesn’t matter either. Don’t want to mint? Who cares. You don’t have to. It’s up to the collector, as it should be.}}</ref> These brands included Dr. Seuss,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loizos |first=Connie |title=This Dapper Labs-backed company is turning Dr. Seuss characters into NFT trading cards |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/22/this-dapper-labs-backed-company-is-turning-dr-seuss-characters-into-nft-trading-cards/ |website=TechCrunch |date=22 Dec 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194938/https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/22/this-dapper-labs-backed-company-is-turning-dr-seuss-characters-into-nft-trading-cards/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> L.O.L Suprise,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=MGA Entertainment Partners With Quidd for L.O.L. Surprise! ™ Digital Collectibles and NFTs |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mga-entertainment-partners-quidd-l-120000526.html |website=[[Yahoo!]] |date=22 Mar 2022 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250328092426/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mga-entertainment-partners-quidd-l-120000526.html |archive-date=28 Mar 2025}}</ref> Disney,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Bare Tree Media |title=Bare Tree Media and Quidd Team Up to Offer Digital Collectibles for Popular Licensed Brands |url=https://www.newswire.com/news/bare-tree-media-and-quidd-team-up-to-offer-digital-collectibles-for-21714386 |website=NewsWire |date=18 May 2022 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708195007/https://www.newswire.com/news/bare-tree-media-and-quidd-team-up-to-offer-digital-collectibles-for-21714386 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> Spongebob,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bramlage |first=Michael |date=30 Dec 2023 |title=Michael Bramlage on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/mbram/status/1708162937871835631 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321161911/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/mbram/status/1708162937871835631 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=Quiddward! Super excited for @SpongeBob on @quidd ... It’ll be hard to stay quiet on this one. Details coming soon!}}</ref> Rick and Morty,<ref name="A2022" /> and others.

==Consumer impact summary==
===Freedom===
According to a Quidd operator, the terms allow Quidd to take away collections from users without reason.<ref>{{Cite web |author=millerflip89 |title=millerflip89 on X |url=https://x.com/millerflip89/status/1876974310406885844 |website=[[X]] |date=8 Jan 2025 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250120130414/https://x.com/millerflip89/status/1876974310406885844 |archive-date=20 Jan 2025 |quote=Long time Quidd opp here, Quidd and their T.O.S and privacy policy was to make sure in stating it could take entire collections at any time without notice. #1 issue is once crypto was involved all value of any item in app was brought to zero due to it being valued off QUIDD TOKEN}}</ref> This can be confirmed with the latest revision of the terms (14 July 2020) in the "Quidd Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability" section, where Quidd will only refund users a maximum of $100 for damages or lost profits.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Terms of Use |url=https://quidd.co/terms |website=Quidd |date=14 Jul 2020 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909141011/https://quidd.co/terms |archive-date=9 Sep 2024}}</ref> Most importantly, Quidd states that users "do not own the Virtual Coins or the Virtual Goods that are exchanged using the App" but rather have a "limited license" to their collections and coins.

===Privacy===
The privacy policy states that Quidd can collect information on your device, including the operating system, processor information, MAC address, location, network type, language, and time spent on certain pages.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://quidd.co/privacy |website=Quidd |date=14 Jul 2020 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207061804/https://quidd.co/privacy |archive-date=7 Dec 2024}}</ref> There are also mentions of sharing user analytic data with third-party companies.

===Business model===
Quidd's business model was to have users purchase coins and packs with real money.

==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]].

===Data breach (''2019'')===
In 2019, the Quidd portal was hacked, exposing 4 million user accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baran |first=Guru |title=Hackers Stolen 4 Million Quidd Username and passwords and Shared on Hacking Forum |url=https://cybersecuritynews.com/4-million-quidd/ |website=Cyber Security News |date=15 Apr 2020 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250328085828/https://cybersecuritynews.com/4-million-quidd/ |archive-date=28 Mar 2025}}</ref> The information in these accounts included user names, e-mail addresses, and passwords from the hacked accounts. The data was made for sale in October of that year.

===Discord server (''2021'')===
On 3 July 2021, users discussed cdh chase packs that would be falsely advertised and mentioned the Consumer Rights Act of 2015 as a basis for a lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt
|title=Lawsuits incoming? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/od1cjv/lawsuits_incoming/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=3 Jul 2021 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210703163116/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/od1cjv/lawsuits_incoming/ |archive-date=3 Jul 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Quidd Google Play reviews (1).png|right|thumb|alt=|A review confirming the anti-semitism.]]
On 10 July 2021, a user in the Quidd Discord server alleged the CEO bought a Star Trek award he was selling for $1,200 as a way to show the value in the marketplace.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title=Only worth it if you buy from yourself! Guess they probably don't pay tax either! |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/ohpzn0/only_worth_it_if_you_buy_from_yourself_guess_they/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=10 Jul 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210710201513/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/ohpzn0/only_worth_it_if_you_buy_from_yourself_guess_they/ |archive-date=10 Jul 2021}}</ref> On the same day, a moderator on the server was seen making anti-semitic remarks regarding an employee.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title=Quidd mod proud to be banned from topps aps for selling on ebay and racial messages to employees. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/nlpubf/quidd_mod_proud_to_be_banned_from_topps_aps_for/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=26 May 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210526195257/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/nlpubf/quidd_mod_proud_to_be_banned_from_topps_aps_for/ |archive-date=26 May 2021}}</ref>

On 15 May 2022, a user alleged some staff accounts were given funds to "pump demand" for drops and pass cards, with a moderator mentioning the user's first name and state in a reply they will "smack" them.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title=So when quidd gets called for giving cash to staff accounts to buy drops and pass cards (to pup demand) they Doxx a user and threaten to assault them! |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/uqdm9v/so_when_quidd_gets_called_for_giving_cash_to/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=15 May 2022 |access-date=9 Mar 2026
|url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250312094927/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/uqdm9v/so_when_quidd_gets_called_for_giving_cash_to/ |archive-date=12 Mar 2025}}</ref> This was on top of a similar alleged incident in June 2021 where server mods would "pass cards" between each other, which was against the terms of service.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title=Quidd did say anyone passing cards for chases would get suspended. Wonder if that includes the Mods and their squad? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/o72ril/quidd_did_say_anyone_passing_cards_for_chases/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=24 Jun 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210624150708/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/o72ril/quidd_did_say_anyone_passing_cards_for_chases/ |archive-date=24 Jun 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title="Trading cards" is against "fair play" ToS... Unless its mods doing it to get high value mintables. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/oq7c0u/trading_cards_is_against_fair_play_tos_unless_its/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=23 Jul 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210725210954/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/oq7c0u/trading_cards_is_against_fair_play_tos_unless_its/ |archive-date=25 Jul 2021}}</ref> The server rules would prevent users from posting cheating or foul play evidence in the server.<ref>{{Cite web |author=sub2pewdiepieONyt |title=Got it. Mods are above the Rules and you have to report their issues to them which they ignore. But good that they self apoint themselves as above the rules after they been breaking ToS the whole time! |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/o753ki/got_it_mods_are_above_the_rules_and_you_have_to/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=24 Jun 2021 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210624170145/https://old.reddit.com/r/QuiddTrading/comments/o753ki/got_it_mods_are_above_the_rules_and_you_have_to/ |archive-date=24 Jun 2021}}</ref>

===Sudden closure of service (''2025'')===
<blockquote>[[File:Quidd app pop-up message.png|thumb|right|200px|alt=|The message given to users starting 3 January 2025.]] It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Quidd’s closure. Since our beginning, we have been honored to build a space where collectors, artists, and enthusiasts could come together to celebrate the vibrant world of digital collectibles. Your creativity, passion, and unwavering support have been the heartbeat of Quidd, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Every interaction, every piece of art, and every collaboration has left an indelible mark on us, filling us with both gratitude and inspiration. It has been our privilege to witness the incredible community you’ve built—a testament to your shared love for creativity and innovation.

As of today, January 3, 2025, all transactions and services on Quidd will cease. Between now and January 31, 2025, you may request the withdrawal of your cash deposit funds by clicking the ‘Request Withdrawal’ button below.

We understand this news may be difficult, and we are here to support you during this transition. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at support@myquidd.com. We also encourage you to visit our website and follow our social channels for the latest updates, as the Quidd app will no longer be available.

In regards to your collections, we are currently reviewing options and plan to have an update shortly.

To every member of the Quidd community: thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. We will cherish the memories we’ve created together.

'''With heartfelt gratitude,'''

''The Quidd Team'' </blockquote>

On 3 January 2025, the app would receive an non-closable pop-up stating "Quidd is closing its doors. Please go to market.onquidd.com for more information." On their website, they did not state a reason for the closure, but rather they thanked the users for utilizing the service and told users to withdraw their funds manually.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Quidd Market |url=https://market.onquidd.com/ |website=Quidd |date=3 Jan 2025 |access-date=4 Jan 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104045818/https://market.onquidd.com/ |archive-date=4 Jan 2025}}</ref> At the time, users could only log into the website and withdraw their current funds from their accounts, which did not include total collection value or sales.<ref>{{Cite web |author=ssymes101 |date=4 Jan 2025 |title=ssymes101 on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/ssymes101/status/1875358003639284012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0322-0126-26/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com:443/ssymes101/status/1875358003639284012 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=What's the likelihood of sales proceeds also being available for withdrawal?}}</ref> Interestingly, rather than giving an early announcement about the closure on 23 December 2024, Quidd released a Betty Boops Holiday Magic collection set.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/1871267200008421877 |website=[[X]] |date=23 Dec 2024 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120130410/https://x.com/quidd/status/1871267200008421877 |archive-date=20 Jan 2025 |quote=Betty Boops Holiday Magic 💋❄️ drops today! 🗓️ Monday 12/23 ⏰ 5pm ET {{!}} 2pm PT <nowiki>https://market.onquidd.com/brands/5889/packs?routes=5889</nowiki> #BettyBoop #Quidd}}</ref> However, on 20 December 2024, the Twitter/X account stated "Quidd offices will be closed for the holidays from December 20, 2024, to January 2, 2025."<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/1870192787737526622 |website=[[X]] |date=20 Dec 2024 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194955/https://x.com/quidd/status/1870192787737526622 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |quote=Quidd offices will be closed for the holidays from December 20, 2024, to January 2, 2025. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to reconnecting with you in the new year. Happy Holidays! 🎄☃️🎁}}</ref>

On 4 January 2025, Quidd announced they were working with POP Culture, Inc. to preserve user collections.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/1875652152590545369 |website=[[X]] |date=4 Jan 2025 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708195000/https://x.com/quidd/status/1875652152590545369 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |quote=🚨Update regarding Quidd assets: POP Culture, Inc. is working to preserve your collections As a first step, connect with them using the form below. This will help them make the transition as smooth as possible by giving you timely updates on your collections and the transition process. <nowiki>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI</nowiki>}}</ref> Users would have to manually fill a Google Form with their e-mail and Quidd username to have the ability to save their collection.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=POP Culture, Inc. is Working to Preserve Your Collections |url=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuoNA6c20z934i9rwoVKYtULX_kmP1cT3yVUK7rbeRnLu24Q/viewform |website=[[Google]] |date=4 Jan 2025 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107013237/https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuoNA6c20z934i9rwoVKYtULX_kmP1cT3yVUK7rbeRnLu24Q/viewform |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref> Many users took this announcement as empty promises<ref>{{Cite web |author=Joe22367619 |date=4 Jan 2025 |title=Joe22367619 on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/Joe22367619/status/1875655325430509816 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321162524/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/Joe22367619/status/1875655325430509816 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=Sounds like more empty promises. What about people who has transactional / withdrawable balances ? You’re only refunding back deposits.}}</ref> and requested previous functionality, such as minting and selling.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Dogstar3c |date=5 Jan 2025 |title=Dogstar3c on X |url=https://nitter.catsarch.com/Dogstar3c/status/1875741590008033765 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321162954/https://nitter.catsarch.com/Dogstar3c/status/1875741590008033765 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=We want our money back theives and I think the IRS needs to investigate all those that made financial decisions especially @mbram who appears to have taught how to money laundering. I feel 4 a couple of the staff who weren't scammers but f**k me the highers belong in jail}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=s1vh |date=10 Jan 2025 |title=s1vh on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/s1vh/status/1877675184364114392 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321163006/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/s1vh/status/1877675184364114392 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=Will POP Culture, Inc. let us mint our mintables? Because announcing closure without giving us a time window for minting so we can move our assets away from the platform truly feels like a rug. 🤨}}</ref>

As of 2 March 2025, the popup has been updated to state "Quidd was shut down on 31st December 2024." with no mention of the website. Going to the website now redirects to "quidd.cloudflareaccess.com" which requires e-mail verification to log in. On 7 March 2025, users who filled out the Google Form received an e-mail from Pop Culture, Inc. stating "we were unable to reach a final agreement to acquire the platform due to a variety of factors out of our control."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayden |first=Michael |title=Quidd Collectibles Update |url=https://mailchi.mp/onshushu.com/quidd-collectibles-update |website=MailChimp |date=7 Mar 2025 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322184303/https://mailchi.mp/onshushu.com/quidd-collectibles-update |archive-date=22 Mar 2025}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Quidd app pop-up message 03-2025.png|The updated popup as of March 2, 2025.
File:Quidd app website 03-2025.png|The result of typing "market.onquidd.com" into a web browser as of 2 March 2025.
File:Quidd collectibles update from POP Culture.png|The full email from Pop Culture Inc. stating their inability to purchase Quidd.
</gallery>

====Implications====
Before the shutdown, users could buy and sell NFT collectibles on the Quidd marketplace for virtual currency, which could be exchanged for real money through a cash account.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Cash Account |url=https://intercom.help/quidd/en/collections/2696326-cash-account |website=Quidd |date= |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915231810/https://intercom.help/quidd/en/collections/2696326-cash-account |archive-date=15 Sep 2024}}</ref> In addition, it was alleged the founder Micheal Bramlage promised users before the 2019 acquisition that users could keep their collections even if the service closed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Antonieu |date=4 Jan 2025 |title=Antonieu Wiseman on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/Ayyee38/status/1875339313501843827 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321163201/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/Ayyee38/status/1875339313501843827 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |website=[[X]] |quote=People literally spent thousands of dollars on here with a clear understanding that we could keep our collections for 100 plus years even if quidd shuts down is what @mbram said years ago}}</ref> In the past, collectibles would be sold for as high as $255-$500 each depending on their "rarity"<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/1367685868455092225 |website=[[X]] |date=5 Mar 2021 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194944/https://x.com/quidd/status/1367685868455092225 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |quote=It's LeBron vs. Spider-Man vs. Captain Kirk vs. Shrimp Rick over on Quidd. Just a normal day in the marketplace.}}</ref> with users spending hundreds of dollars to complete collectible sets.<ref>{{Cite web |author=DonnieLemon69 |date=22 Jan 2025 |title=DonnieLemon69 on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/donnielemon69/status/1882145343925834149 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321163210/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/donnielemon69/status/1882145343925834149 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=I collected hundreds of dollars worth of Atari NFT from Quidd had all the sets.. Sad.}}</ref> In the first week of March 2021, over $53,000 worth of withdrawals were processed.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Quidd |title=Quidd on X |url=https://x.com/quidd/status/1371110813398937613 |website=[[X]] |date=14 Mar 2021 |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708194947/https://x.com/quidd/status/1371110813398937613 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |quote=Update on withdrawals: - $53,000+ processed last week - 2x the previous week (!!!) - Paid out to nearly 200 collectors - All eligible requests processed Friday afternoon - Average time from request to cash: 3 days! Digital collecting paid for some nice dinners on Friday 💸😎}}</ref>

Due to the failure of Pop Culture, Inc.'s ability to acquire Quidd, all of the users' collectible stickers and minted NFTs are inaccessible, with no way for users to sell their collections.
<gallery>
File:Quidd app 2017.jpg|An example of the Quidd app in 2017.
File:Quidd app intro 5.png|Discusses how users can profit off of selling digital collectibles.
File:Quidd app intro 6.png|Discusses how users can use profits to "buy a pizza or even a Porsche".
File:Quidd app intro 7.png|Discusses how user collections are securely stored on the cloud and "aren't going anywhere".
File:Quidd app intro 8.png|Discusses how users can "own your collectible forever" through the blockchain.
</gallery>

[[File:Quidd Google Play reviews (2).png|right|thumb|alt=|Google Play store reviews after service shutdown.]]
With their announcement on Twitter/X, users compared this behavior from Quidd to a "rug pull".<ref>{{Cite web |author=spencer_hames |date=9 Jan 2025 |title=spencer_hames on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/spencer_hames/status/1877188802642325972 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0322-0136-16/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com:443/spencer_hames/status/1877188802642325972 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=wait so all the money i put into stuff and packs i cant sell because you want to rug pull us? that class action lawsuit will hit our bank accounts in a good way and a bad way in yours.}}</ref> In addition, many users warned Quidd of a {{Wplink|class action}} lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Lex_407 |date=4 Jan 2025 |title=Lex_407 |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/Lex_407/status/1875563383279472987 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321163528/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/Lex_407/status/1875563383279472987 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=[[X]] |quote=Assets and funds that were made in sales, which at this moment, it says I have no funds. You guys better figure things out or there will be a lot of us filing a class action.}}</ref>

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

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Wyze

2026-05-05T02:48:44Z

Sojourna:

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2017
|Industry=Technology
|Logo=Wyze.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://wyze.com/
|Description=American technology company known for smart home devices.
}}

'''{{Wplink|Wyze Labs|Wyze Labs, Inc.}}''' (formerly '''Wyzecam'''), also known as '''Wyze''', is an American technology company that was incorporated on 19 July 2017. It specializes in smart home products and wireless cameras.

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

===Terms of use===
*Wyze's [[terms of service]] include [[forced arbitration]], and a waiver of {{Wplink|class action}} and jury trial.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 Dec 2024 |title=Wyze Terms of Service: Section 12 |url=https://www.wyze.com/policies/terms-of-service#l |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120114344/https://www.wyze.com/policies/terms-of-service#l |archive-date=20 Jan 2025 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=Wyze}}</ref>
*Wyze may suspend or terminate your use of the product at any time and claim they are not responsible if this causes financial loss.
*Wyze can both stop providing software updates and do automatic software updates without consent. The only alternative is to cease using the product.

==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]].

===Security-camera breach===
On two separate occasions from September 2023 to February 2024, Wyze personal security cameras were able to be accessed by other owners because of security failures.

In early September 2023, many users of Wyze security cameras reported being able to see the feeds of cameras that were not their own. A Wyze spokesperson reported this was because of a "web caching issue and [had been] resolved". Users throughout social-media platforms such as [[Twitter]] and [[Reddit]] reported this issue, and within 30 minutes the camera-view portal was shut down.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |title=Your Wyze webcam might have let other owners peek into your house |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/8/23865255/wyze-security-camera-feeds-web-view-issue |website=The Verge |date=9 Sep 2023 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219050147/https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/8/23865255/wyze-security-camera-feeds-web-view-issue |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In late February 2024, after bringing servers back from a company outage, about 13,000 users<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |author=H3H3ather |title=I was watched by someone |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/wyzecam/comments/1aulfw4/i_was_watched_by_someone/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=19 Feb 2024 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220000255/https://old.reddit.com/r/wyzecam/comments/1aulfw4/i_was_watched_by_someone/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2024}}</ref> were able to view thumbnails from another user's cameras, with about 1,500<ref name=":1" /> being able to view the video.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |title=Wyze cameras let other people view her home: why cloud security is an oxymoron
|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkZl7FBipXA |website=[[YouTube]] |date=28 Feb 2024 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228155815/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkZl7FBipXA |archive-date=28 Feb 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Valinsky |first=Jordan |title=About 13,000 home security customers were shown someone else’s home
|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/20/tech/wyze-breach-camera/index.html |website=CNN |date=20 Feb 2024 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251102162505/https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/20/tech/wyze-breach-camera/index.html |archive-date=2 Nov 2025}}</ref>

====Implications====
Security cameras are a tool used by those looking for companies to make resources to protect them. These incidents show Wyze security cameras did not have the capabilities to protect their users. ''The Verge'' reported that Wyze was aware of security flaws in the WyzeCam v1 cameras for more than four years, but discontinued the product rather than fixing the issue.<ref name=":0" /> Discontinuing the product did not help those who already owned the product, and it is the nature of cloud cameras that the customer must be able to trust companies to deliver proper security patches to protect their private information.

===Bait-and-switch behavior===
When Wyze and Wyze v2 cameras were popularized in 2018 and before, they were sold under the premise that 24-hour recording or infinitely long video clips are a subscription add-on, but that short video clips would be included for free for using their cloud service. Sometime between 2020 and 2022, Wyze [[Retroactively amended purchase|changed its policy]], charging a subscription of $1.99 per camera for the video-clip service.<ref>{{Cite web |author=amarryat |title=Bait and switch |url=https://forums.wyze.com/t/bait-and-switch/221810 |website=Wyze |date=17 Mar 2022 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126213538/https://forums.wyze.com/t/bait-and-switch/221810 |archive-date=26 Nov 2022}}</ref>

Likely in an attempt to prevent legal action, they released a "cam plus lite" package,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Cam Plus Lite |url=https://www.wyze.com/pages/cam-plus-lite |website=Wyze
|date= |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250602145533/https://www.wyze.com/pages/cam-plus-lite |archive-date=2 Jun 2025}}</ref> but enabling this feature is buried in menus and sub-menus in the website. To date, there is no way to enable this feature in the phone app, which is the primary way users access their cameras. Users can, however, use the phone app to pay monthly for the same or similar service.

===Product abandonment===
Wyze has regular product updates with new lines getting launched and old lines retired. Their standard warranty is 18 months for products purchased after January, 2026. They commit to no additional support and no further repair service is offered once beyond that warranty, paid or otherwise. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-12 |title=Returns & Warranty Policy |url=https://support.wyze.com/hc/en-us/articles/360032077272-Returns-Warranty-Policy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260403111635/https://support.wyze.com/hc/en-us/articles/360032077272-Returns-Warranty-Policy |archive-date=2026-04-03 |access-date=2026-04-08 |website=Wyze}}</ref> When a product is abandoned, Wyze may not retain any inventory or offer any support for that product. For example, users reported the Wyze Lock was discontinued some time before 2025<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-31 |title=Has the Wyze Lock Been Discountinued |url=https://forums.wyze.com/t/has-the-wyze-lock-been-discountinued/335164 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207011255/https://forums.wyze.com/t/has-the-wyze-lock-been-discountinued/335164 |archive-date=2025-12-07 |access-date=2026-04-08 |website=Wyze Forums}}</ref> (Wyze still does not include it on their official End of Life page, which has not been updated since 2021 as of writing<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-26 |title=Wyze End of Life Policy |url=https://www.wyze.com/pages/end-of-life-policy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260403030239/https://www.wyze.com/pages/end-of-life-policy |archive-date=2026-04-03 |access-date=2026-04-08 |website=Wyze}}</ref>) and replacement gateways, necessary to use all lock features, were reported as already unavailable for more than 7 months that same year<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-28 |title=Wyze Door Lock Gateway - Unavailable for 7 months |url=https://forums.wyze.com/t/wyze-door-lock-gateway-unavailable-for-7-months/339835 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260118074712/https://forums.wyze.com/t/wyze-door-lock-gateway-unavailable-for-7-months/339835 |archive-date=2026-01-18 |access-date=2026-04-08 |website=Wyze Forums}}</ref>. While gateways were a fairly inexpensive replacement part when available (kits including this gateway were originally stocked for just $20<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wyze Lock Replacement Part Kit |url=https://www.wyze.com/products/wyze-lock-replacement-part-kit?variant=44236627869858 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260403204747/https://www.wyze.com/products/wyze-lock-replacement-part-kit?variant=44236627869858 |archive-date=2026-04-03 |access-date=2026-04-08 |website=Wyze Store}}</ref>), Wyze has not stocked this part in over a year and thus otherwise-working lock sets have permanently disabled features.

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Cameras]]

Discord

2026-05-05T02:47:03Z

Sojourna:

{{Cleanup|reason=References need to be properly formatted. See [[Template:Cite web]].}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2015
|Industry=VoIP communications, instant messaging, videoconferences, content delivery, and social media
|Logo=Discord.svg
|ParentCompany=Discord Inc.
|Type=Private
|Website=https://discord.com
|CompanyAlias=Discord Inc.
|Description=American technology company that runs a platform for messaging and calling targeted towards gamers.
}}

'''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===
Mentioned within the '''Discord ToS'''<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> 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 [[Web cookie|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
*Deleting your account does not delete your messages, must delete messages before account deletion
*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 {{Wplink|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

===Bulk message deletion===
Discord provides no in-app bulk message deletion; instead, you must [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004027692-Requesting-a-Copy-of-your-Data request your data], then send Discord support a data deletion request via their [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=4750383925911 privacy form]. You must provide the desired message id’s and the channel id’s they were sent in, which makes this process difficult. You will receive your data to the email tied to the account. If you change the email before receiving the data, your data will not be redirected to the new email. Your request will also be canceled if you disable or delete your account before receiving the data.

Once discord begins message deletion it can take up to 24 hours for all requested messages to be deleted. After 24 hours have passed, you'll need to request your data package again to confirm all requested messages have been deleted. You can only request your data again 30 days after you previously requested data.

A third-party website, [https://discorch.org/ Discorch], makes this process significantly easier. Discorch contains more information relevant to this topic, and detailed instructions that should be followed exactly. Discord will likely reply with "This channel is reserved for individuals...", rejecting your data deletion request. Due to this, Discorch provides a response for you to send back to Discord. Discord will also refuse to delete messages you have access to, so you must leave relevant servers and group DMs before sending a data deletion request, and can only rejoin after the messages have been deleted. If you have deleted your account, you cannot delete your messages.

When requesting your data, you only need your message data. It can take up to 30 days to receive your data, once you have it you can use Discorch. According to Discorch:<blockquote> ''"Discord acts in malicious compliance with the GDPR. You are not allowed to delete your DMs through their support flow, since you can always regain access to a DM, technically speaking, since you are always a member of the DM channel on their backend."''</blockquote>In order to delete DMs in bulk you must use [https://github.com/Darker-Ink/DiscorchDeleter DiscorchDeleter], which is against Discord's ToS (as it's considered self-botting), it'll automatically delete messages for you. By default the deletion interval tries to comply with Discord's ratelimits, so an account termination is unlikely, though use at your own risk. You may get rate-limited, in which case you need to increase the deletion interval. DiscorchDeleter requires your data package and will also work outside of DMs if you'd like to avoid discord support or remain in relevant servers and group DMs.

DiscorchDeleter requires [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/violentmonkey/jinjaccalgkegednnccohejagnlnfdag ViolentMonkey] and [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/vencord-web/cbghhgpcnddeihccjmnadmkaejncjndb Vencord (browser version)]. Discorch provides downloads for all of these, including DiscorchDeleter. ViolentMonkey requires a browser that supports Manifest V2, so consider using [https://brave.com/ Brave] or [https://www.firefox.com/en-US/ Firefox].

==Incidents==
===Introduction of forced arbitration (''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 (''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 (''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 (''September 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 ToS update 2025.png|thumb|200px|alt=An example of Discord forcing users to agree to arbitration if they want to continue using the application.|(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 (''October 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 (''February 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 age assurance support article changes before & after.png|alt=Screenshots of changes made to the support article on Discord's support page|thumb|Comparison of changes made between 15 February 2026 to 19 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>

===SDK vulnerability with Arc Raiders integration (''March 2026'')===
In March 2026, Timothy Meadows, a computer engineer discovered a privacy and security vulnerability that involved Discord's [[wikipedia:Software_development_kit|software developer kit (SDK)]] and integrations with the [[wikipedia:Arc_Raiders|Arc Raiders]] game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meadows |first=Timothy |date=3 Mar 2026 |title=Arc Raiders - Discord SDK Data Exposure |url=https://timothymeadows.com/arc-raiders-discord-sdk-data-exposure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/pktbu |archive-date=2026-03-06 |access-date=8 Mar 2026 |website=timothymeadows.com}}</ref> This vulnerability affected the users with their Discord account linked with the game, allowing the software to log and store locally Discord private conversations, user credentials and other user information in an unencrypted log file. If the Arc Raiders game crashes, this file could be sent to the game developers. Embark Studios disabled the SDK integration after the incident was announced. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Klotz |first=Aaron |date=Mar 2026 |title=Arc Raiders was accidentally recording Discord conversations into an unencrypted local game file — vulnerability in SDK could log messages and credentials in plaintext |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/pc-gaming/arc-raiders-was-accidentally-recording-discord-conversations-into-an-unencrypted-local-game-file-vulnerability-in-sdk-could-log-messages-and-credentials-in-plaintext |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/kWBIf |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=8 Mar 2026 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |last=Marnell |first=Blair |date=6 Mar 2026 |title=Arc Raiders Was Recording Private Discord DMs |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/arc-raiders-was-recording-private-discord-dms/1100-6538629/|url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/2ZQ1M |archive-date=2026-03-08 |access-date=8 Mar 2026 |website=Gamespot}}</ref>
Before the incident was known, when an user linked their Discord account, a pop-up claimed that Arc Raiders "cannot read users' messages". <ref>{{Cite web |last=Makar |first=Connor |date=2026-03-05 |title=Embark Studios rushes to fix Arc Raiders Discord integration bug as "serious privacy and security violations" may have exposed private Discord DMs, friends data, more |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/arc-raiders-discord-messages-security-problem-fix-incoming |url-status=live |website=Eurogamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Lewis |date=2026-03-05 |title=Arc Raiders Rushes Out Emergency Fix After Its Discord Accidentally Spied On Players |url=https://kotaku.com/arc-raiders-hotfix-discord-integration-2000676444 |url-status=live |website=Kotaku}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowry |first=Brendan |date=2026-03-05 |title=ARC Raiders recorded private Discord DM messages between players in "serious privacy and security violations" — Embark promises that your data is safe |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/arc-raiders-recorded-private-discord-messages-between-players-in-serious-privacy-and-security-violations |url-status=live |website=Windows Central}}</ref>

===Discord banning users taking action against child predators (''April 2025—'')===
[[File:Discord's protection of pedophiles.png|thumb|First offense is a 24-hour mute, with it as an active violation that stays on a user's profile for up to four years, when going after active child predators.]]
Since April 2025, users have been reported their accounts have been banned after taking action against child sexual predators instead of banning the predator themselves. When an account is banned for this, the reason given is [https://discord.com/safety/hateful-conduct-policy-explainer "hateful conduct policy"] The ban grants a 24-hour mute, making users unable to talk or interact with others. This account flag might stay up to four years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Alex |date=24 Apr 2025 |title=Why Did Discord Make the Controversial Decision to Shut Down Ro-Cleaner? |url=https://pupuweb.com/why-did-discord-make-the-controversial-decision-to-shut-down-ro-cleaner/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425034609if_/https://pupuweb.com/why-did-discord-make-the-controversial-decision-to-shut-down-ro-cleaner/ |archive-date=25 Apr 2025 |access-date=25 Apr 2025 |work=Pupuweb}}</ref> [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJD9MQLaQ-g No Text To Speech's video] explains this incident with more details on YouTube.

==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>

==Consumer friendly alternatives==

*[https://fluxer.app/ Fluxer] [https://github.com/fluxerapp/fluxer Fluxer's GitHub]
*[https://zulip.com/ Zulip][https://github.com/zulip/zulip/ Zulip's GitHub]

*[https://stoat.chat/ Stoat] [https://github.com/stoatchat Stoat's GitHub]

[[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]]

X Corp

2026-05-05T02:45:07Z

Sojourna:

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=X Corp. is known for acquiring and rebranding Twitter and developing the AI model Grok.
|Founded=2023
|Industry=Social media, Artificial intelligence
|Logo=X Corp logo.svg
|ParentCompany=X.AI Corp.
|Type=Private
|Website=https://x.com/
}}
[[File:Twitter logo.svg|thumb|150x150px|Old logo of Twitter.]]
'''{{Wplink|Twitter|X}}''', formerly known as '''Twitter''', is a global social-media platform that facilitates real-time communication and the sharing of short messages, known as "tweets". Founded in 2006 by {{Wplink|Jack Dorsey}}, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams, Twitter quickly became a key platform for public discourse, news, and social interaction. Known for its character-limited posts and use of hashtags (#), Twitter played a pivotal role in shaping online communication, politics, and social movements.

In 2023, Twitter underwent a significant rebranding, adopting the name X, after being acquired by [[Elon Musk]] in a high-profile deal in the previous year. Elon Musk took the company private and underwent a large sweep of leadership changes including layoffs and policy shifts. X has faced scrutiny over various issues, including content-moderation practices, the de-prioritization of accessibility features, data-privacy concerns, and its handling of user-generated content.

==Consumer impact summary==
===Lack of privacy===
*X can read private messages sent through the platform.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |author= |date=4 Apr 2025 |title=X - ToS;DR |url=https://tosdr.org/en/service/195 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318073339/https://tosdr.org/en/service/195 |archive-date=18 Mar 2025 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |website=[[Terms of Service;Didn't Read]]}}</ref>
*X uses personal data collected from its website for third-party advertisements.
*Personal data collected include:
**Location data,
**What web page refers you to X,
**Content posted (tweets),
**Replies, and
**Interactions such as likes and follows.

===Lack of transparency===
Since its acquisition in 2022, X has faced a number of transparency concerns:
*In alignment with the downsizing of X, the communications department was unofficially disbanded.
*X has come under scrutiny for its unclear content-moderation policies, including what content is prohibited on the service. This stems partially from the inconsistent enforcement of platform rules.
*With the introduction of Twitter Blue, users were able to obtain a badge resembling one of an account verified to belong to a person or organization of importance. This incident blurred the lines between organic content and paid promotions.
*As of 2 February 2023, X has discontinued free access to its Application Programming Interface (API). This was replaced with paid plans.

===Censorship===
*X has the ability to delete content without prior notice and without a formal reason.<ref name=":1" />
*X has a binding [[forced arbitration]] clause in its [[terms of service]]. This includes prevention against {{Wplink|Class action|class-action lawsuits.}}<ref name=":1" />
*X complied with requests and local censorship of people who are critical of Erdogan such as other political parties and politicians, LGBT organizations, journalists, and activists.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Joint Open Letter to Social Media Companies on Censorship in Türkiye |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/05/08/joint-open-letter-social-media-companies-censorship-turkiye
|website=Human Rights Watch |date=8 May 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916171447/https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/05/08/joint-open-letter-social-media-companies-censorship-turkiye |archive-date=16 Sep 2025}}</ref>

==Incidents==
===Twitter illegally uses collected data (''May 2022'')===
In May 2022, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) fined Twitter $150 million dollars for using data collected for targeted advertisements. In 2011, Twitter had made an agreement with regulators in which it vowed not to share information gathered for security purposes with third-parties for targeted advertisements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allyn |first=Bobby |title=Twitter will pay a $150 million fine over accusations it improperly sold user data |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/05/25/1101275323/twitter-privacy-settlement-doj-ftc |website=NPR |date=25 May 2022 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251025031814/https://www.npr.org/2022/05/25/1101275323/twitter-privacy-settlement-doj-ftc |archive-date=25 Oct 2025}}</ref>

Information that was illegally used for targeted advertisements includes phone numbers and e-mail addresses. The user agreed that this information will be used for services such as two-factor authentication (2FA), account recovery, and account safeguarding.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fair |first=Leslie |title=Twitter to pay $150 million penalty for allegedly breaking its privacy promises – again |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2022/05/twitter-pay-150-million-penalty-allegedly-breaking-its-privacy-promises-again |website=FTC |date=25 May 2022 |access-date= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525213257/https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2022/05/twitter-pay-150-million-penalty-allegedly-breaking-its-privacy-promises-again |archive-date=25 May 2022}}</ref>

===Reduction in accessibility features (''November 2022'')===
Throughout the latter half of 2022, Twitter laid off much of its staff. Among these layoffs was the accessibility team, created in 2020 to improve the use of Twitter for disabled consumers. Of the many features introduced by the team, "alt-text" was added to allow visually impaired users to hear a description of an image.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Knibbs |first=Kate |title=Twitter’s Layoffs Are a Blow to Accessibility |url=https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-layoffs-accessibility/ |website=Wired |date=21 Nov 2022 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250905183106/https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-layoffs-accessibility/ |archive-date=5 Sep 2025}}</ref>

As a result of the de-prioritization of accessibility in Twitter, alt-text badges were removed, making it more challenging for visually-impaired users to identify accessible content.<ref name=":0" />

===Data hack affecting millions of users (''January 2023'')===
In January 2023, X underwent a data breach that caused millions of account e-mails to be leaked.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vallance |first=Chris |title=Twitter: Millions of users' email addresses 'stolen' in data hack |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64153381 |website=BBC |date=5 Jan 2023 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211113155/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64153381 |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> X, under the new ownership of Elon Musk, did not take the precautionary steps to prevent this incident. Before the data hack, X had underwent significant layoffs, including ones which affected the trust, safety, and security teams. This is directly linked to the weakening of security before the breach, as these teams were essential for identifying vulnerabilities and patching them. Moreover, the media communications team was disbanded, leading to a lack of transparency surrounding the issue.

===Terms of Service allows use of user content for training AI (''November 2024'')===
[[File:X Terms of Service 2024 screenshot.webp|thumb|527x527px]]
On 15 November 2024, X issued new [[Terms of Service]] (TOS) to allow artificial intelligence (AI) to train on user content:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maruf |first=Ramishah |title=X changed its terms of service to let its AI train on everyone’s posts. Now users are up in arms |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/21/tech/x-twitter-terms-of-service/index.html |website=CNN |date=21 Oct 2024 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208195110/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/21/tech/x-twitter-terms-of-service/index.html |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Terms of Service |url=https://x.com/en/tos#current |website=X Corp |date=15 Nov 2024 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126180413/https://x.com/en/tos |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>
<blockquote>"By submitting, posting or displaying Content on or through the Services, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license (with the right to sublicense) to use, copy, reproduce, process, adapt, modify, publish, transmit, display, upload, download, and distribute such Content in any and all media or distribution methods now known or later developed, for any purpose. For clarity, these rights include, for example, curating, transforming, and translating. This license authorizes us to make your Content available to the rest of the world and to let others do the same. You agree that this license includes the right for us to (i) analyze text and other information you provide and to otherwise provide, promote, and improve the Services, including, for example, for use with and '''training of our machine learning and artificial intelligence models, whether generative or another type'''..."</blockquote>
This development raises concerns over the user's right to their own intellectual data posted on X. There is also concern over the privacy implications of private conversations being used to train a public AI. This AI may also use work by content creators, artists, and writers without compensation. [[Hidden EULA language|Being buried in a large TOS]], this is a clear example of taking away the consumer's right of ownership and not obtaining adequate disclosure.

As a response to the increased backlash, X released a feature to opt out of sharing data by navigating four different menus (Settings⇒Privacy and Safety⇒Data Sharing and Personalization⇒Grok⇒Allow your posts as well as your interactions, inputs, and results with Grok to be used for training and fine-tuning).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |title=Here’s how to stop X from using your posts to train its AI |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/26/24206904/x-grok-ai-train-turn-off |website=The Verge |date=26 Jul 2024 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726163920/https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/26/24206904/x-grok-ai-train-turn-off |archive-date=26 Jul 2024}}</ref> This setting being on by default is an example of a [[dark pattern]].

===Breakage of proxies (2023 - present)===
Twitter/X has taken many measures (such as the removal of "Guest" accounts, and [[Forced account|login requirement]]) against proxies, such as [[wikipedia:Nitter|Nitter]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carvajal Sarabia |first=Chema |date=2024-02-19 |title=You can no longer access Twitter without an account: Elon Musk has won |url=https://en.softonic.com/articles/you-can-no-longer-access-twitter-without-an-account-elon-musk-has-won |website=Softonic}}</ref><ref><nowiki>https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/30/twitter-now-requires-an-account-to-view-tweets/</nowiki></ref><ref>https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/issues/919</ref><ref><nowiki>https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/issues/983</nowiki></ref>. It has gotten to the point that the main developer of Nitter gave up,<ref><nowiki>https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/issues/1155#issuecomment-1913361757</nowiki></ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=2024-02-15 |title=Twitter front-end Nitter dies as Musk wins war against third-party services |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/twitter-front-end-nitter-dies-as-musk-wins-war-against-third-party-services/ |access-date=2026-03-19 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref> then months later, decided to continue by supporting regular account types.<ref><nowiki>https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/discussions/1212</nowiki></ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:X Corp]]