Disabling online features in retaliation - Revision history

Sojourna: /* References */

2026-04-08T01:20:46Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:20, 8 April 2026
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	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

	[[Category:~~Common terms]]~~		[[Category:Anti-consumer practices]]
	~~[[Category:Theme~~]]

Sojourna: /* Why it is a problem */

2026-03-25T05:58:13Z

Why it is a problem

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:58, 25 March 2026
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	*'''Perverse incentive to add online features:''' Manufacturers may design their products with an unnecessary reliance on online features to use it as an enforcement mechanism, rather than adding value to the product.		*'''Perverse incentive to add online features:''' Manufacturers may design their products with an unnecessary reliance on online features to use it as an enforcement mechanism, rather than adding value to the product.
	[[File:~~Bricked~~ Switch 2.png\|thumb\|A screenshot from a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s video by Scattered Brain], displaying his Switch 2 console being {{Wplink\|Brick (electronics)\|bricked}}.]]		[[File:Switch 2 bricked.png\|thumb\|A screenshot from a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s video by Scattered Brain], displaying his Switch 2 console being {{Wplink\|Brick (electronics)\|bricked}}.]]

	==Examples==		==Examples==

Banana: Added archive URLs for 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-16T04:11:31Z

Added archive URLs for 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:11, 16 February 2026
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	Some examples of disabling online features in retaliation include:		Some examples of disabling online features in retaliation include:

	*[[Nintendo Switch 2]] consoles disabling [[Nintendo Switch Online]] functionality when MIG Switch cartridges are detected.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Scattered Brain \|date=16 Jun 2025 \|title=Soo... Nintendo banned my Switch 2 (Don't try the MIG Switch!) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s \|access-date=18 Jun 2025 \|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>		*[[Nintendo Switch 2]] consoles disabling [[Nintendo Switch Online]] functionality when MIG Switch cartridges are detected.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Scattered Brain \|date=16 Jun 2025 \|title=Soo... Nintendo banned my Switch 2 (Don't try the MIG Switch!) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s \|access-date=18 Jun 2025 \|website=[[YouTube]] \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo \|archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>
	*[[Molekule Air Purifier\|Molekule Air Purifiers]] disabling Molekule Services (required for using the Molekule app) when third-party replacement filters are detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Rossmann \|first=Louis \|date=4 Oct 2025 \|title=Air filters have DRM now 🤦‍♂️ \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCu_n2Nddu0 \|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>		*[[Molekule Air Purifier\|Molekule Air Purifiers]] disabling Molekule Services (required for using the Molekule app) when third-party replacement filters are detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Rossmann \|first=Louis \|date=4 Oct 2025 \|title=Air filters have DRM now 🤦‍♂️ \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCu_n2Nddu0 \|website=[[YouTube]] \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=LCu_n2Nddu0 \|archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

Sojourna: Pass on style, grammar, spelling; fixed ref error.

2025-10-07T23:46:18Z

Pass on style, grammar, spelling; fixed ref error.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:46, 7 October 2025
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	{{StubNotice}}		{{StubNotice}}

	'''Disabling online features in retaliation''' is a practice in which businesses deny access to online functionality because the user of a product did not adhere to terms / policies unrelated to the online service~~. Making~~ the product less useful and less valuable.		'''Disabling online features in retaliation''' is a practice in which businesses deny access to online functionality because the user of a product did not adhere to terms or policies unrelated to the online service, making the product less useful and less valuable.

	==How it works==		==How it works==

	Business may use this practice in a situation where the product '''has online features''' that most customers would find valuable, the customer '''cannot chose the provider''' for this online service (usually by the same manufacturer as the device) and the business has an anti-competitive reason to enforce restrictions on the product that are technologically difficult to enforce directly.		Business may use this practice in a situation where the product '''has online features''' that most customers would find valuable, the customer '''cannot chose the provider''' for this online service (usually by the same manufacturer as the device) and the business has an anti-competitive reason to enforce restrictions on the product that are technologically difficult to enforce directly.

	The product will use some kind of detection mechanism to determine if the customer breaks one of the manufacturers terms and '''in retaliation''' disables the online features the customer cared about.		The product will use some kind of detection mechanism to determine if the customer breaks one of the manufacturers terms and '''in retaliation''' disables the online features the customer cared about.

	As a result the product has decreased utility and (resale) value, harming the customer.		As a result the product has decreased utility and (resale) value, harming the customer.

	==Why it is a problem==		==Why it is a problem==
			*'''Manufacturer directly inflicts harm:''' The manufacturer has the ability to inflict immediate and direct harm by reducing the utility and value of the product whenever the manufacturer sees fit, based on terms that the manufacturer imposed. Even if the customer has any recourse available, the manufacturer can decide to keep online features disabled during the dispute.

	'''~~Manufacturer directly inflicts harm~~'''		*'''Chilling effect:''' Customers may refrain from using their product in otherwise legal ways, due to fear of the manufacturer retaliating.

	~~The manufacturer has the ability~~ to ~~inflict immediate and direct harm by reducing the utility and value~~ of ~~the product whenever~~ the manufacturer ~~sees fit, based on terms that the manufacturer imposed~~. ~~Even if the customer has any recourse available, the manufacturer can decide to keep online features disabled during the dispute.~~

	~~'''Chilling effect'''~~

	~~Customers~~ may ~~refrain from using their product in otherwise legal ways, due~~ to ~~fear~~ of the manufacturer ~~retaliating~~.		*'''Anti-competitive:''' Business may use this tactic to force the consumer to buy only first-party accessories and/or replacement parts. Regardless of whether the third party products can be legally put on the market, the manufacturer can still threaten the customer with an online ban. This stifles competition in the product's after-market.

	'''~~Anti-competitive~~'''		*'''Lack of recourse:''' Because the online services can't be easily replaced with an alternative provider, customers don't have a good option to contest a decision or compel the manufacturer to provide them online services besides taking them to court. The manufacturer may also claim there are no product defects, so warranty claims or refunds for the product may be denied. Particularly when combined with [[forced arbitration]] clauses, this can make it infeasible for an individual customer to fix or recover the harm inflicted on them.

	Business may use this tactic to force the consumer to buy only first party accessories / replacement parts. Regardless of whether the third party products can be legally put on the market, the manufacturer can still threaten the customer with an online ban. This stifles competition in the product's after-market.		*'''Perverse incentive to add online features:''' Manufacturers may design their products with an unnecessary reliance on online features to use it as an enforcement mechanism, rather than adding value to the product.
			[[File:Bricked Switch 2.png\|thumb\|A screenshot from a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s video by Scattered Brain], displaying his Switch 2 console being {{Wplink\|Brick (electronics)\|bricked}}.]]
	~~'''Lack of recourse'''~~

	Because the online services can't be easily replaced with an alternative provider. Customers don't have a good option to contest a decision or compel the manufacturer to provide them online services, besides taking them to court. The manufacturer may also claim there are no product defects, so warranty claims or refunds for the product may be denied. Especially when combined with [[forced arbitration]] clauses, this can make it infeasible for an individual customer to fix or recover the harm inflicted on them.

	'''Perverse incentive to add online features'''

	Manufacturers may design their products with an unnecessary reliance on online features to use it as an enforcement mechanism, rather than adding value to the product.

	[[File:Bricked Switch 2.png\|thumb\|A screenshot from a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s video by Scattered Brain], displaying his Switch 2 console being bricked]]

	==Examples==		==Examples==

	Some examples of disabling online features in retaliation include:		Some examples of disabling online features in retaliation include:

	*[[Nintendo Switch 2]] consoles disabling [[Nintendo Switch Online]] functionality when MIG Switch cartridges are detected.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Scattered Brain \|date=Jun ~~16,~~ 2025 \|title=Soo... Nintendo banned my Switch 2 (Don't try the MIG Switch!) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s \|access-date=Jun ~~18,~~ 2025 \|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>		*[[Nintendo Switch 2]] consoles disabling [[Nintendo Switch Online]] functionality when MIG Switch cartridges are detected.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Scattered Brain \|date=16 Jun 2025 \|title=Soo... Nintendo banned my Switch 2 (Don't try the MIG Switch!) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s \|access-date=18 Jun 2025 \|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
	*[[Molekule Air Purifier\|Molekule Air Purifiers]] disabling Molekule Services (required for using the Molekule app) when ~~3rd~~ party replacement filters are detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=~~Louis~~ \|first=~~Rossmann~~ \|date=2025~~-10-04~~ \|title=~~YouTube:~~ Air filters have DRM now 🤦‍♂️ \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCu_n2Nddu0 \|website=YouTube}}</ref>		*[[Molekule Air Purifier\|Molekule Air Purifiers]] disabling Molekule Services (required for using the Molekule app) when third-party replacement filters are detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Rossmann \|first=Louis \|date=4 Oct 2025 \|title=Air filters have DRM now 🤦‍♂️ \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCu_n2Nddu0 \|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
			{{Reflist}}
	{{~~reflist~~}}

	[[Category:Common terms]]		[[Category:Common terms]]
	[[Category:Theme]]		[[Category:Theme]]

Beanow: Style and grammar nit

2025-10-04T17:13:26Z

Style and grammar nit

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 4 October 2025
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	==How it works==		==How it works==

	Business may use this practice in a situation where the product '''has online features''' that most customers would find valuable, the customer '''cannot chose the provider''' for this online service (usually by the same manufacturer as the device) and the business has an anti-competitive reason to enforce restrictions on the product that are technologically difficult to enforce directly.		Business may use this practice in a situation where the product '''has online features''' that most customers would find valuable, the customer '''cannot chose the provider''' for this online service (usually by the same manufacturer as the device) and the business has an anti-competitive reason to enforce restrictions on the product that are technologically difficult to enforce directly.

	The product will use some kind of detection mechanism to determine if the customer breaks one of the manufacturers terms and '''in retaliation''' ~~disable~~ the online features the customer cared about.		The product will use some kind of detection mechanism to determine if the customer breaks one of the manufacturers terms and '''in retaliation''' disables the online features the customer cared about.

	As a result the product has decreased utility and (resale) value, harming the customer.		As a result the product has decreased utility and (resale) value, harming the customer.

Line 35:		Line 35:

	==Examples==		==Examples==

	Some examples of disabling online features in retaliation include:		Some examples of disabling online features in retaliation include:

Line 41:		Line 42:

	==References==		==References==

	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	[[Category:Common terms]]		[[Category:Common terms]]
	[[Category:Theme]]		[[Category:Theme]]

Beanow: Expand on the problem

2025-10-04T17:09:31Z

Expand on the problem

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:09, 4 October 2025
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	'''Manufacturer directly inflicts harm'''		'''Manufacturer directly inflicts harm'''

	The manufacturer has the ability to inflict immediate and direct harm by reducing the utility and value of the product whenever the manufacturer sees fit, based on terms that the manufacturer imposed.		The manufacturer has the ability to inflict immediate and direct harm by reducing the utility and value of the product whenever the manufacturer sees fit, based on terms that the manufacturer imposed. Even if the customer has any recourse available, the manufacturer can decide to keep online features disabled during the dispute.
	Even if the customer has any recourse available, the manufacturer can decide to keep online features disabled during the dispute.

	'''Chilling effect'''		'''Chilling effect'''
Line 24:		Line 23:

	Business may use this tactic to force the consumer to buy only first party accessories / replacement parts. Regardless of whether the third party products can be legally put on the market, the manufacturer can still threaten the customer with an online ban. This stifles competition in the product's after-market.		Business may use this tactic to force the consumer to buy only first party accessories / replacement parts. Regardless of whether the third party products can be legally put on the market, the manufacturer can still threaten the customer with an online ban. This stifles competition in the product's after-market.

			'''Lack of recourse'''

			Because the online services can't be easily replaced with an alternative provider. Customers don't have a good option to contest a decision or compel the manufacturer to provide them online services, besides taking them to court. The manufacturer may also claim there are no product defects, so warranty claims or refunds for the product may be denied. Especially when combined with [[forced arbitration]] clauses, this can make it infeasible for an individual customer to fix or recover the harm inflicted on them.

	'''Perverse incentive to add online features'''		'''Perverse incentive to add online features'''

Beanow: Markup issues

2025-10-04T16:45:07Z

Markup issues

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:45, 4 October 2025
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	'''Manufacturer directly inflicts harm'''		'''Manufacturer directly inflicts harm'''

	The manufacturer has the ability to inflict immediate and direct harm by reducing the utility and value of the product whenever the manufacturer sees fit, based on terms that the manufacturer imposed.		The manufacturer has the ability to inflict immediate and direct harm by reducing the utility and value of the product whenever the manufacturer sees fit, based on terms that the manufacturer imposed.
	Even if the customer has any recourse available, the manufacturer can decide to keep online features disabled during the dispute.		Even if the customer has any recourse available, the manufacturer can decide to keep online features disabled during the dispute.

	'''Chilling effect'''		'''Chilling effect'''

	Customers may refrain from using their product in otherwise legal ways, due to fear of the manufacturer retaliating.		Customers may refrain from using their product in otherwise legal ways, due to fear of the manufacturer retaliating.

	'''Anti-competitive'''		'''Anti-competitive'''
	Business may use this tactic to force the consumer to ~~only~~ buy only first party accessories / replacement parts. Regardless of whether the third party products can be legally put on the market, the manufacturer can still threaten the customer with an online ban. This stifles competition in the product's after-market.
			Business may use this tactic to force the consumer to buy only first party accessories / replacement parts. Regardless of whether the third party products can be legally put on the market, the manufacturer can still threaten the customer with an online ban. This stifles competition in the product's after-market.

	'''Perverse incentive to add online features'''		'''Perverse incentive to add online features'''

	Manufacturers may design their products with an unnecessary reliance on online features to use it as an enforcement mechanism, rather than adding value to the product.		Manufacturers may design their products with an unnecessary reliance on online features to use it as an enforcement mechanism, rather than adding value to the product.

Line 30:		Line 34:
	Some examples of disabling online features in retaliation include:		Some examples of disabling online features in retaliation include:

	* [[Nintendo Switch 2]] consoles disabling [[Nintendo Switch Online]] functionality when MIG Switch cartridges are detected.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Scattered Brain \|date=Jun 16, 2025 \|title=Soo... Nintendo banned my Switch 2 (Don't try the MIG Switch!) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s \|access-date=Jun 18, 2025 \|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>		*[[Nintendo Switch 2]] consoles disabling [[Nintendo Switch Online]] functionality when MIG Switch cartridges are detected.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Scattered Brain \|date=Jun 16, 2025 \|title=Soo... Nintendo banned my Switch 2 (Don't try the MIG Switch!) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s \|access-date=Jun 18, 2025 \|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
	* [[Molekule Air Purifier\|Molekule Air Purifiers]] disabling Molekule Services (required for using the Molekule app) when 3rd party replacement filters are detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Louis \|first=Rossmann \|date=2025-10-04 \|title=YouTube: Air filters have DRM now 🤦‍♂️ \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCu_n2Nddu0 \|website=YouTube}}</ref>		*[[Molekule Air Purifier\|Molekule Air Purifiers]] disabling Molekule Services (required for using the Molekule app) when 3rd party replacement filters are detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Louis \|first=Rossmann \|date=2025-10-04 \|title=YouTube: Air filters have DRM now 🤦‍♂️ \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCu_n2Nddu0 \|website=YouTube}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

Beanow: Add why this is a problem

2025-10-04T16:42:47Z

Add why this is a problem

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 ==Why it is a problem==
-{{Ph-T-WIIAP}}
 ==Examples==

Beanow: Add examples

2025-10-04T16:10:21Z

Add examples

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 4 October 2025
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	==Examples==		==Examples==
	{{Ph-T-E}}		Some examples of disabling online features in retaliation include:

			* [[Nintendo Switch 2]] consoles disabling [[Nintendo Switch Online]] functionality when MIG Switch cartridges are detected.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Scattered Brain \|date=Jun 16, 2025 \|title=Soo... Nintendo banned my Switch 2 (Don't try the MIG Switch!) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s \|access-date=Jun 18, 2025 \|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
			* [[Molekule Air Purifier\|Molekule Air Purifiers]] disabling Molekule Services (required for using the Molekule app) when 3rd party replacement filters are detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Louis \|first=Rossmann \|date=2025-10-04 \|title=YouTube: Air filters have DRM now 🤦‍♂️ \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCu_n2Nddu0 \|website=YouTube}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

Beanow: Starting the page

2025-10-04T15:51:15Z

Starting the page

New page

{{StubNotice}}

'''Disabling online features in retaliation''' is a practice in which businesses deny access to online functionality because the user of a product did not adhere to terms / policies unrelated to the online service. Making the product less useful and less valuable.

==How it works==
Business may use this practice in a situation where the product '''has online features''' that most customers would find valuable, the customer '''cannot chose the provider''' for this online service (usually by the same manufacturer as the device) and the business has an anti-competitive reason to enforce restrictions on the product that are technologically difficult to enforce directly.

The product will use some kind of detection mechanism to determine if the customer breaks one of the manufacturers terms and '''in retaliation''' disable the online features the customer cared about.

As a result the product has decreased utility and (resale) value, harming the customer.

==Why it is a problem==
{{Ph-T-WIIAP}}

==Examples==
{{Ph-T-E}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Theme]]