PayPal Honey - Revision history

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 3 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T06:54:35Z

Added archive URLs for 3 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:54, 23 February 2026
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	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" />		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}}</ref>		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'')===		===Significant changes to the Terms of Service (''October 2024 - December 2024'')===
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	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		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}}</ref>		\|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'')===		===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}}</ref>		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'')===		===Removal from Rakuten Advertising (''January 2026'')===

Bananabot: Re-archived 1 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-22T22:37:34Z

Re-archived 1 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:37, 22 February 2026
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	'''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		'''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=https://~~archive~~.is/~~wlPyJ~~ \|archive-date=~~29 Jan 2020~~}}</ref>		\|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==		==Consumer impact summary==

Sojourna: Clean-up and updates.

2026-01-14T06:14:52Z

Clean-up and updates.

Show changes

Samiisw: Brief description of updated Honey anti-consumer and monopolistic/predatory practices per December 2025 updates by MegaLag. Plan to elaborate on this with citations in coming days.

2026-01-09T10:28:09Z

Brief description of updated Honey anti-consumer and monopolistic/predatory practices per December 2025 updates by MegaLag. Plan to elaborate on this with citations in coming days.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:28, 9 January 2026
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	==Incidents==		==Incidents==

	=== Affiliate-tampering controversy (''Dec. 2024'') ===		===Affiliate-tampering controversy (''Dec. 2024'')===

	==== MegaLag Investigation (''Dec. 2024)'' ====		====MegaLag Investigation (''Dec. 2024)''====
	On December 21 2024, the tech-related YouTube channel MegaLag posted a video titled "Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam," in which they alleged that Honey was engaging in systematic manipulation of affiliate marketing links through a process known as "cookie stuffing."<ref>[https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/laguna-niguel-man-receives-fifteen-month-prison-term-defrauding-ebay "Laguna Niguel Man Receives Fifteen-Month Prison Term For Defrauding eBay"] ''U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California''. August 4, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2025.</ref> 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.		On December 21 2024, the tech-related YouTube channel MegaLag posted a video titled "Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam," in which they alleged that Honey was engaging in systematic manipulation of affiliate marketing links through a process known as "cookie stuffing."<ref>[https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/laguna-niguel-man-receives-fifteen-month-prison-term-defrauding-ebay "Laguna Niguel Man Receives Fifteen-Month Prison Term For Defrauding eBay"] ''U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California''. August 4, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2025.</ref> 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.

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	The video presented several scenarios in which this "affiliate poaching" would occur, even when Honey offered no discounts or coupons to the user, namely:		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 "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 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.		*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 =====		=====Affiliate test=====
	Part of the investigative piece included a section in which MegaLag tested what would happen to their own commission when purchasing a product with Honey and without Honey. They 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. They made each purchase using a VPN server in different countries (one in the USA and one in the Netherlands), and used "separate, new browser sessions with cookies cleared."<ref>{{Cite web \|first=MegaLag \|date=21 Dec 2025 \|title=Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4yL3YTwWk \|url-status=live \|access-date=08 Jan 2026 \|website=YouTube.com \|at=11:03-11:07}}</ref> They also signed up for Honey's rewards program to test how much of the commission would be shared with a consumer.		Part of the investigative piece included a section in which MegaLag tested what would happen to their own commission when purchasing a product with Honey and without Honey. They 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. They made each purchase using a VPN server in different countries (one in the USA and one in the Netherlands), and used "separate, new browser sessions with cookies cleared."<ref>{{Cite web \|first=MegaLag \|date=21 Dec 2025 \|title=Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4yL3YTwWk \|url-status=live \|access-date=08 Jan 2026 \|website=YouTube.com \|at=11:03-11:07}}</ref> They also signed up for Honey's rewards program to test how much of the commission would be shared with a consumer.

	They found that when purchased without the use of Honey, they received a $36.50 commission for the sale as expected. However, when purchasing the product with the use of Honey, MegaLag 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.		They found that when purchased without the use of Honey, they received a $36.50 commission for the sale as expected. However, when purchasing the product with the use of Honey, MegaLag 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 ====		====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" />		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" />

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	''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"''		''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"''

			=== Coercing businesses to partner with Honey in order to protect private discount codes (''Dec. 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 repetitiously.

	==References==		==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}
	[[Category:PayPal]]		[[Category:PayPal]]

Samiisw: Edited section re: December 2024 controversy--added important details of original MegaLag investigation that revealed Honey's affiliate poaching practices, including a section on a test they performed demonstrating that they received a commission when not using Honey and did not receive a commission when activating Honey.

2026-01-09T07:11:16Z

Edited section re: December 2024 controversy--added important details of original MegaLag investigation that revealed Honey's affiliate poaching practices, including a section on a test they performed demonstrating that they received a commission when not using Honey and did not receive a commission when activating Honey.

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:11, 9 January 2026
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	==Incidents==		==Incidents==
	~~===Content-creator lawsuits (''Dec. 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" />

	~~<p>Gamers Nexus~~, ~~LLC later filed~~ a ~~class-action lawsuit against PayPal~~ in ~~January 2025 highlighting the same issues~~.<ref ~~name="gamersnexus~~-v-~~paypal~~-~~holdings~~" />		=== Affiliate-tampering controversy (''Dec. 2024'') ===

			==== MegaLag Investigation (''Dec. 2024)'' ====
			On December 21 2024, the tech-related YouTube channel MegaLag posted a video titled "Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam," in which they alleged that Honey was engaging in systematic manipulation of affiliate marketing links through a process known as "cookie stuffing."<ref>[https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/laguna-niguel-man-receives-fifteen-month-prison-term-defrauding-ebay "Laguna Niguel Man Receives Fifteen-Month Prison Term For Defrauding eBay"] ''U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California''. August 4, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2025.</ref> 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.

	~~===Affiliate-tampering controversy (''Dec. 2024'')===~~		In short, the investigation found that when users clicked on a content creator's affiliate link and subsequently activated Honey during checkout, Honey would:
	In ~~December 2024~~, ~~investigations revealed that Honey was engaging in systematic manipulation of affiliate-marketing links. The investigations~~ found that when users clicked on content ~~creators~~' affiliate ~~links~~ and subsequently ~~used~~ Honey during checkout, ~~the extension~~ would:

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

	~~This practice is an example of~~ "~~cookie stuffing~~,~~" where an affiliate injects their own affiliate cookie without~~ the user~~'s knowledge.<ref>[https~~://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/laguna-niguel-man-receives-fifteen-month-prison-term-defrauding-ebay "Laguna Niguel Man Receives Fifteen-Month Prison Term For Defrauding eBay"] ''U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California''. August 4, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2025.</ref>		The video presented several scenarios in which this "affiliate poaching" would occur, even when Honey offered no discounts or coupons to the user, namely:

	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" />		* 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 their own commission when purchasing a product with Honey and without Honey. They 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. They made each purchase using a VPN server in different countries (one in the USA and one in the Netherlands), and used "separate, new browser sessions with cookies cleared."<ref>{{Cite web \|first=MegaLag \|date=21 Dec 2025 \|title=Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4yL3YTwWk \|url-status=live \|access-date=08 Jan 2026 \|website=YouTube.com \|at=11:03-11:07}}</ref> They also signed up for Honey's rewards program to test how much of the commission would be shared with a consumer.

			They found that when purchased without the use of Honey, they received a $36.50 commission for the sale as expected. However, when purchasing the product with the use of Honey, MegaLag 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" />		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 (''Dec. 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" />

			<p>Gamers Nexus, LLC later filed a class-action lawsuit against PayPal in January 2025 citing the same grievances.<ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings" />

	===Significant changes on the Terms of Service (''Oct. 2024 - Dec. 2024'')===		===Significant changes to the Terms of Service (''Oct. 2024 - Dec. 2024'')===
	Several parts of the Terms of service were updated and added, such as		Several parts of the Terms of service were updated and added, such as

Line 60:		Line 74:
	*a number of small changes between the lines.		*a number of small changes between the lines.

	Also noteworthy is that on January 8 2025 older versions of the TOS were available on archive.org, ~~today (Jan~~ 28 2025) the archive ~~will show~~ a "Failed to Fetch" error.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220000000000*/https://www.joinhoney.com/terms "Archived versions of joinhoney.com on archive.org"] a fully functional archive of multiple versions were available prior to January 25 2025 dating back to 2022</ref>		Also noteworthy is that on January 8 2025 older versions of the TOS were available on archive.org. However, as of January 28, 2025, the archive shows a "Failed to Fetch" error.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220000000000*/https://www.joinhoney.com/terms "Archived versions of joinhoney.com on archive.org"] a fully functional archive of multiple versions were available prior to January 25 2025 dating back to 2022</ref>

	To prevent loss of those details:		To prevent loss of those details:

Samiisw: Updated meta description.

2026-01-09T06:11:34Z

Updated meta description.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:11, 9 January 2026
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	\|Logo=PayPal_Honey.svg		\|Logo=PayPal_Honey.svg
	\|Website=https://www.joinhoney.com		\|Website=https://www.joinhoney.com
	\|Description=~~Founded in 2012, Honey offers coupons on online storefronts for users.~~ In 2024, it was reported ~~Honey stole affiliate~~ commissions ~~and mislead users~~.		\|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>Perez, Sarah (November 20, 2019). [https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/20/paypal-to-acquire-shopping-and-rewards-platform-honey-for-4-billion/ "PayPal to acquire shopping and rewards platform Honey for $4B"]. ''TechCrunch''. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</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>Metcalf, Tom; Verhage, Julie (January 28, 2020). [https://web.archive.org/web/20201209044201/https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/coupon-duo-now-worth-1-5-billion-after-honey-s-sale-to-paypal "Coupon Duo Now Worth $1.5 Billion After Honey's Sale to PayPal"]. ''BloombergQuint''. Archived from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>		'''Honey''' (now '''PayPal Honey''') is a browser extension and platform owned by [[PayPal]] since its acquisition for $4 billion in 2020.<ref>Perez, Sarah (November 20, 2019). [https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/20/paypal-to-acquire-shopping-and-rewards-platform-honey-for-4-billion/ "PayPal to acquire shopping and rewards platform Honey for $4B"]. ''TechCrunch''. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</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>Metcalf, Tom; Verhage, Julie (January 28, 2020). [https://web.archive.org/web/20201209044201/https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/coupon-duo-now-worth-1-5-billion-after-honey-s-sale-to-paypal "Coupon Duo Now Worth $1.5 Billion After Honey's Sale to PayPal"]. ''BloombergQuint''. Archived from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: not more linking of every word

2025-12-17T07:19:20Z

not more linking of every word

Mr Pollo at 22:32, 5 August 2025

2025-08-05T22:32:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:32, 5 August 2025
Line 60:		Line 60:
	* a number of small changes between the lines.		* a number of small changes between the lines.

	Also noteworthy is that on January 8 2025 older versions of the TOS were available on archive.org, today (Jan 28 2025) the archive will show a "Failed to Fetch" error.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220000000000*/https://www.joinhoney.com/terms "Archived versions of joinhoney.com on archive.org"] a fully functional archive of multiple versions were ~~avaiable~~ prior to January 25 2025 dating back to 2022</ref>		Also noteworthy is that on January 8 2025 older versions of the TOS were available on archive.org, today (Jan 28 2025) the archive will show a "Failed to Fetch" error.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220000000000*/https://www.joinhoney.com/terms "Archived versions of joinhoney.com on archive.org"] a fully functional archive of multiple versions were available prior to January 25 2025 dating back to 2022</ref>

	To prevent loss of those details:		To prevent loss of those details:

Mr Pollo: removed deprecated template

2025-08-05T22:31:47Z

removed deprecated template

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:31, 5 August 2025
Line 9:		Line 9:
	\|Description=Founded in 2012, Honey offers coupons on online storefronts for users. In 2024, it was reported Honey stole affiliate commissions and mislead users.		\|Description=Founded in 2012, Honey offers coupons on online storefronts for users. In 2024, it was reported Honey stole affiliate commissions and mislead users.
	}}		}}
	~~{{ProductPage~~		'''Honey''' (now '''PayPal Honey''') is a browser extension and platform owned by [[PayPal]] since its acquisition for $4 billion in 2020.<ref>Perez, Sarah (November 20, 2019). [https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/20/paypal-to-acquire-shopping-and-rewards-platform-honey-for-4-billion/ "PayPal to acquire shopping and rewards platform Honey for $4B"]. ''TechCrunch''. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</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>Metcalf, Tom; Verhage, Julie (January 28, 2020). [https://web.archive.org/web/20201209044201/https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/coupon-duo-now-worth-1-5-billion-after-honey-s-sale-to-paypal "Coupon Duo Now Worth $1.5 Billion After Honey's Sale to PayPal"]. ''BloombergQuint''. Archived from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>
	~~\|infobox_logo=PayPal_Honey~~.~~svg~~

	~~\|infobox_1_key~~=~~Release Year~~		==Consumer impact summary==
	~~\|infobox_1_value~~=~~2012~~

	~~\|infobox_2_key~~=~~Product Type~~		====Privacy====
	~~\|infobox_2_value~~=~~Browser Extension~~		*Collects extensive personal identifiers including name, email, IP address, and device IDs.<ref name="privacy-policy">[https://www.joinhoney.com/privacy "PayPal Honey Privacy Statement"]. ''PayPal Honey''. October 28, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 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"/>

	~~\|infobox_3_key~~=~~In Production~~		====Freedom====
	~~\|infobox_3_value~~=~~Yes~~		*Consumer choice restricted by intentionally hidden discounts and deals.<ref name="megalag-video"/><ref name="techopedia-article"/>
			*Mandatory acceptance of arbitration clause with class action waiver.<ref name="terms-of-use">[https://www.joinhoney.com/terms "Terms of Use"]. ''PayPal Honey''. January 16, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2025.</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">MegaLag (December 21, 2024). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4yL3YTwWk "Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam"]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref><ref name="techopedia-article">Fernandez, Ray (December 24, 2024). [https://www.techopedia.com/paypal-honey-accused-of-fraud "Is PayPal's Honey Misleading Users? We Investigate"]. ''Techopedia''. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>
			**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">[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69503243/9/wendover-productions-llc-v-paypal-inc/ "Wendover Productions, LLC v. PayPal Inc, 5:24-cv-09470, (N.D. Cal.)"]. ''courtlistener.com''. Free Law Project. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref><ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings">[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69517397/gamersnexus-llc-v-paypal-holdings-inc/ "GamersNexus, LLC v. PayPal Holdings, Inc., 5:25-cv-00114, (N.D. Cal.)"]. ''courtlistener.com''. Free Law Project. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>
			====Business model====
			====Market control====

	~~\|infobox_4_key~~=~~Official Website~~		==Incidents==
	~~\|infobox_4_value~~=~~https://www.joinhoney.com~~		===Content-creator lawsuits (''Dec. 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"/>
	~~\|description~~='''Honey''' (now '''PayPal Honey''') is a browser extension and platform owned by [[PayPal]] since its acquisition for $4 billion in 2020.<ref>Perez, Sarah (November 20, 2019). [https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/20/paypal-to-acquire-shopping-and-rewards-platform-honey-for-4-billion/ "PayPal to acquire shopping and rewards platform Honey for $4B"]. ''TechCrunch''. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</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>Metcalf, Tom; Verhage, Julie (January 28, 2020). [https://web.archive.org/web/20201209044201/https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/coupon-duo-now-worth-1-5-billion-after-honey-s-sale-to-paypal "Coupon Duo Now Worth $1.5 Billion After Honey's Sale to PayPal"]. ''BloombergQuint''. Archived from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>

	\|summary_privacy_1=Collects extensive personal identifiers including name, email, IP address, and device IDs.<ref name="privacy-policy">[https://www.joinhoney.com/privacy "PayPal Honey Privacy Statement"]. ''PayPal Honey''. October 28, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>
	~~\|summary_privacy_2~~=~~Retains data for up to 10 years after account closure.<ref name="privacy-policy"/>~~
	~~\|summary_privacy_3~~=~~Shares data with PayPal companies and merchant partners.<ref name~~=~~"privacy-policy"/>~~
	~~\|summary_privacy_4~~=~~Tracks detailed shopping behavior, including purchases, returns, and browsing patterns.<ref name="privacy~~-~~policy"/>~~
	~~\|summary_privacy_5=Creates inference profiles based on shopping patterns and preferences.<ref name="privacy-policy"/>~~

	~~\|summary_freedom_1=Consumer choice restricted by intentionally hidden discounts and deals.<ref name="megalag-video"/><ref name="techopedia-article"/>~~
	\|summary_freedom_2=Mandatory acceptance of arbitration clause with class action waiver.<ref name="terms-of-use">[https://www.joinhoney.com/terms "Terms of Use"]. ''PayPal Honey''. January 16, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2025.</ref>
	~~\|summary_freedom_3=No user control over partner-privileged discount system.<ref name="megalag-video"/><ref name="techopedia-article"/>~~
	~~\|summary_freedom_4=Service can be terminated at PayPal's discretion without notice.<ref name="terms-of-use"/>~~
	~~\|summary_freedom_5=Users forced to accept terms modifications without direct notification.<ref name="terms-of-use"/>~~

	~~\|summary_transparency_1=Undisclosed manipulation of affiliate marketing links.<ref name="megalag-video">MegaLag~~ (~~December 21, 2024). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4yL3YTwWk "Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam"]. ''YouTube~~''. ~~Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref><ref name="techopedia-article">Fernandez, Ray (December 24,~~ 2024~~). [https://www.techopedia.com/paypal-honey-accused-of-fraud "Is PayPal's Honey Misleading Users? We Investigate"]. ''Techopedia~~''~~. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>~~
	~~\|summary_transparency_2=Hidden redirect mechanisms affecting commissions.<ref name="megalag-video"/><ref name="techopedia-article"/>~~
	~~\|summary_transparency_3=Selective display of coupon codes based on undisclosed partner agreements.<ref name="megalag-video"/><ref name="techopedia-article"/>~~
	\|summary_transparency_4=Subject to multiple ongoing class action lawsuits regarding alleged deceptive practices.<ref name="wendover-v-paypal">[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69503243/9/wendover-productions-llc-v-paypal-inc/ "Wendover Productions, LLC v. PayPal Inc, 5:24-cv-09470, (N.D. Cal.)~~"]. ''courtlistener.com''. Free Law Project. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref><ref name~~="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings">[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69517397/gamersnexus-llc-v-paypal-holdings-inc/ "GamersNexus, LLC v. PayPal Holdings, Inc., 5:25-cv-00114, (N.D. Cal.)"]. ''courtlistener.com''. Free Law Project. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>

	~~\|incidents_1_title~~=~~Content-creator lawsuits~~
	~~\|incidents_1_date~~=~~Dec. 2024~~
	~~\|incidents_1_text=~~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"/>

	<p>[[Gamers Nexus, LLC]] later filed a class-action lawsuit against PayPal in January 2025 highlighting the same issues.<ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings"/>		<p>[[Gamers Nexus, LLC]] later filed a class-action lawsuit against PayPal in January 2025 highlighting the same issues.<ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings"/>

	~~\|incidents_2_title~~=Affiliate-tampering controversy		===Affiliate-tampering controversy (''Dec. 2024'')===
	~~\|incidents_2_date=~~Dec. 2024		In December 2024, investigations revealed that Honey was engaging in systematic manipulation of affiliate-marketing links. The investigations found that when users clicked on content creators' affiliate links and subsequently used Honey during checkout, the extension would:
	~~\|incidents_2_text=~~In December 2024, investigations revealed that Honey was engaging in systematic manipulation of affiliate-marketing links. The investigations found that when users clicked on content creators' affiliate links and subsequently used Honey during checkout, the extension would:

	* Delete the original affiliate's tracking cookie		* Delete the original affiliate's tracking cookie
Line 63:		Line 53:
	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"/>		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"/>

	~~\|incidents_3_title~~=Significant changes on the Terms of Service		===Significant changes on the Terms of Service (''Oct. 2024 - Dec. 2024'')===
	~~\|incidents_3_date=~~Oct. 2024 - Dec. 2024		Several parts of the Terms of service were updated and added, such as
	~~\|incidents_3_text=~~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		* Change of the Governing Law from England and Wales to California in the United States
Line 79:		Line 68:
	''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"''		''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"''

	}}		==References==
			{{Reflist}}
	[[Category:PayPal]]		[[Category:PayPal]]

Mr Pollo at 22:27, 5 August 2025

2025-08-05T22:27:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:27, 5 August 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{ProductCargo
			\|Company=PayPal
			\|ReleaseYear=2012
			\|InProduction=Yes
			\|ArticleType=Service
			\|Category=Browser extension
			\|Logo=PayPal_Honey.svg
			\|Website=https://www.joinhoney.com
			\|Description=Founded in 2012, Honey offers coupons on online storefronts for users. In 2024, it was reported Honey stole affiliate commissions and mislead users.
			}}
	{{ProductPage		{{ProductPage
	\|infobox_logo=PayPal_Honey.svg		\|infobox_logo=PayPal_Honey.svg

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:19, 17 December 2025
Line 15:		Line 15:
	====Privacy====		====Privacy====
	*Collects extensive personal identifiers including name, email, IP address, and device IDs.<ref name="privacy-policy">[https://www.joinhoney.com/privacy "PayPal Honey Privacy Statement"]. ''PayPal Honey''. October 28, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>		*Collects extensive personal identifiers including name, email, IP address, and device IDs.<ref name="privacy-policy">[https://www.joinhoney.com/privacy "PayPal Honey Privacy Statement"]. ''PayPal Honey''. October 28, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>
	*Retains data for up to 10 years after account closure.<ref name="privacy-policy"/>		*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"/>		*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"/>		*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"/>		*Creates inference profiles based on shopping patterns and preferences.<ref name="privacy-policy" />

	====Freedom====		====Freedom====
	*Consumer choice restricted by intentionally hidden discounts and deals.<ref name="megalag-video"/><ref name="techopedia-article"/>		*Consumer choice restricted by intentionally hidden discounts and deals.<ref name="megalag-video" /><ref name="techopedia-article" />
	*Mandatory acceptance of arbitration clause with class action waiver.<ref name="terms-of-use">[https://www.joinhoney.com/terms "Terms of Use"]. ''PayPal Honey''. January 16, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2025.</ref>		*Mandatory acceptance of arbitration clause with class action waiver.<ref name="terms-of-use">[https://www.joinhoney.com/terms "Terms of Use"]. ''PayPal Honey''. January 16, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2025.</ref>
	*No user control over partner-privileged discount system.<ref name="megalag-video"/><ref name="techopedia-article"/>		*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"/>		*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"/>		*Users forced to accept terms modifications without direct notification.<ref name="terms-of-use" />
	*Transparency		*Transparency
	**Undisclosed manipulation of affiliate marketing links.<ref name="megalag-video">MegaLag (December 21, 2024). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4yL3YTwWk "Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam"]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref><ref name="techopedia-article">Fernandez, Ray (December 24, 2024). [https://www.techopedia.com/paypal-honey-accused-of-fraud "Is PayPal's Honey Misleading Users? We Investigate"]. ''Techopedia''. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>		**Undisclosed manipulation of affiliate marketing links.<ref name="megalag-video">MegaLag (December 21, 2024). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4yL3YTwWk "Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam"]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref><ref name="techopedia-article">Fernandez, Ray (December 24, 2024). [https://www.techopedia.com/paypal-honey-accused-of-fraud "Is PayPal's Honey Misleading Users? We Investigate"]. ''Techopedia''. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>
	**Hidden redirect mechanisms affecting commissions.<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"/>		**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">[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69503243/9/wendover-productions-llc-v-paypal-inc/ "Wendover Productions, LLC v. PayPal Inc, 5:24-cv-09470, (N.D. Cal.)"]. ''courtlistener.com''. Free Law Project. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref><ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings">[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69517397/gamersnexus-llc-v-paypal-holdings-inc/ "GamersNexus, LLC v. PayPal Holdings, Inc., 5:25-cv-00114, (N.D. Cal.)"]. ''courtlistener.com''. Free Law Project. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>		**Subject to multiple ongoing class action lawsuits regarding alleged deceptive practices.<ref name="wendover-v-paypal">[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69503243/9/wendover-productions-llc-v-paypal-inc/ "Wendover Productions, LLC v. PayPal Inc, 5:24-cv-09470, (N.D. Cal.)"]. ''courtlistener.com''. Free Law Project. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref><ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings">[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69517397/gamersnexus-llc-v-paypal-holdings-inc/ "GamersNexus, LLC v. PayPal Holdings, Inc., 5:25-cv-00114, (N.D. Cal.)"]. ''courtlistener.com''. Free Law Project. Retrieved January 15, 2025.</ref>
	====Business model====		====Business model====
Line 36:		Line 36:
	==Incidents==		==Incidents==
	===Content-creator lawsuits (''Dec. 2024'')===		===Content-creator lawsuits (''Dec. 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"/>		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" />

	<p>[[Gamers Nexus, LLC]] later filed a class-action lawsuit against PayPal in January 2025 highlighting the same issues.<ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings"/>		<p>Gamers Nexus, LLC later filed a class-action lawsuit against PayPal in January 2025 highlighting the same issues.<ref name="gamersnexus-v-paypal-holdings" />

	===Affiliate-tampering controversy (''Dec. 2024'')===		===Affiliate-tampering controversy (''Dec. 2024'')===
	In December 2024, investigations revealed that Honey was engaging in systematic manipulation of affiliate-marketing links. The investigations found that when users clicked on content creators' affiliate links and subsequently used Honey during checkout, the extension would:		In December 2024, investigations revealed that Honey was engaging in systematic manipulation of affiliate-marketing links. The investigations found that when users clicked on content creators' affiliate links and subsequently used Honey during checkout, the extension would:

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

	This practice is an example of "cookie stuffing," where an affiliate injects their own affiliate cookie without the user's knowledge.<ref>[https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/laguna-niguel-man-receives-fifteen-month-prison-term-defrauding-ebay "Laguna Niguel Man Receives Fifteen-Month Prison Term For Defrauding eBay"] ''U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California''. August 4, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2025.</ref>		This practice is an example of "cookie stuffing," where an affiliate injects their own affiliate cookie without the user's knowledge.<ref>[https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/laguna-niguel-man-receives-fifteen-month-prison-term-defrauding-ebay "Laguna Niguel Man Receives Fifteen-Month Prison Term For Defrauding eBay"] ''U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California''. August 4, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2025.</ref>

	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"/>		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"/>		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" />

	===Significant changes on the Terms of Service (''Oct. 2024 - Dec. 2024'')===		===Significant changes on the Terms of Service (''Oct. 2024 - Dec. 2024'')===
	Several parts of the Terms of service were updated and added, such as		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		*Change of the Governing Law from England and Wales to California in the United States
	* Addition of a Arbitration.		*Addition of a Arbitration.
	* a number of small changes between the lines.		*a number of small changes between the lines.

	Also noteworthy is that on January 8 2025 older versions of the TOS were available on archive.org, today (Jan 28 2025) the archive will show a "Failed to Fetch" error.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220000000000*/https://www.joinhoney.com/terms "Archived versions of joinhoney.com on archive.org"] a fully functional archive of multiple versions were available prior to January 25 2025 dating back to 2022</ref>		Also noteworthy is that on January 8 2025 older versions of the TOS were available on archive.org, today (Jan 28 2025) the archive will show a "Failed to Fetch" error.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220000000000*/https://www.joinhoney.com/terms "Archived versions of joinhoney.com on archive.org"] a fully functional archive of multiple versions were available prior to January 25 2025 dating back to 2022</ref>

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

	==References==		==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}
	[[Category:PayPal]]		[[Category:PayPal]]