Template:Main Page/Featured - Revision history

JakeL at 16:38, 26 January 2026

2026-01-26T16:38:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:38, 26 January 2026
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	<!-- No need to add any content below, when you are ready to feature an new article, just edit the featured template -->		<!-- No need to add any content below, when you are ready to feature an new article, just edit the featured template -->



	{{Featured\|List of products and services with forced arbitration\|\|		{{Featured\|List of products and services with forced arbitration\|\|

	This week we are featuring the list of companies that partake in forced arbitration. You can find more information about forced arbitration [[Forced arbitration\|here]].		This week we are featuring the list of companies that partake in forced arbitration. You can find more information about forced arbitration [[Forced arbitration\|here]].

	}}		}}


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	''Want to suggest a featured article? Add it to the [[Template_talk:Main_Page/Featured\|discussion page]].''		''Want to suggest a featured article? Add it to the [[Template_talk:Main_Page/Featured\|discussion page]].''

Keith: typo

2026-01-02T16:19:03Z

typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:19, 2 January 2026
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	{{Featured\|List of products and services with forced arbitration\|\|		{{Featured\|List of products and services with forced arbitration\|\|

	This week we are featuring the list of companies that partake in forced arbitration. You can find more information ~~aobut~~ forced arbitration [[Forced arbitration\|here]].		This week we are featuring the list of companies that partake in forced arbitration. You can find more information about forced arbitration [[Forced arbitration\|here]].

	}}		}}

Atsumari at 16:06, 2 January 2026

2026-01-02T16:06:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:06, 2 January 2026
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	{{Featured\|~~List_of_products_and_services_with_forced_arbitration~~\|\|		{{Featured\|List of products and services with forced arbitration\|\|

	This week we are featuring the list of companies that partake in forced arbitration. You can find more information aobut forced arbitration [[Forced arbitration\|here]].		This week we are featuring the list of companies that partake in forced arbitration. You can find more information aobut forced arbitration [[Forced arbitration\|here]].

Atsumari at 16:05, 2 January 2026

2026-01-02T16:05:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:05, 2 January 2026
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	{{Featured\|~~Molekule threatens to remotely shut down their app if purifiers used with third party air filters~~\|\|		{{Featured\|List_of_products_and_services_with_forced_arbitration\|\|

	In September 2025, air-purifier manufacturer Molekule emailed customers warning that any device using non-genuine "counterfeit" filters would lose remote operability via the app (one of the main reasons to purchase the device in the first place!). They shut off this access on September 22, enshittifying their product for anyone using third-party filters, which are ~~much cheaper than official Molekule ones.~~		This week we are featuring the list of companies that partake in forced arbitration. You can find more information aobut forced arbitration [[Forced arbitration\|here]].

	~~Molekule is one of the few air-purifier makers to implement digital rights management (DRM) on consumable filters through NFC tags embedded into~~ the ~~filters, requiring proprietary replacements costing $100–$175 each. The company’s updated Terms~~ of ~~Service and warranty policies prohibit altering or reusing NFC authentication data and reserve the right to void the warranty and render devices “inoperable” if unauthorized filters are detected.~~

	~~Customer frustration around this abuse of DRM technology is evident~~ in ~~Molekule’s 1~~.4/5 Trustpilot rating; they've also received a number of complaints to the Better Business Bureau about devices ceasing to function after filter replacement, and about the high operating costs of the devices with the yearly cost of official filters coming up to over $300.

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Atsumari: Spelling

2025-11-23T11:45:35Z

Spelling

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:45, 23 November 2025
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	Molekule is one of the few air-purifier makers to implement digital rights management (DRM) on consumable filters through NFC tags embedded into the filters, requiring proprietary replacements costing $100–$175 each. The company’s updated Terms of Service and warranty policies prohibit altering or reusing NFC authentication data and reserve the right to void the warranty and render devices “inoperable” if unauthorized filters are detected.		Molekule is one of the few air-purifier makers to implement digital rights management (DRM) on consumable filters through NFC tags embedded into the filters, requiring proprietary replacements costing $100–$175 each. The company’s updated Terms of Service and warranty policies prohibit altering or reusing NFC authentication data and reserve the right to void the warranty and render devices “inoperable” if unauthorized filters are detected.

	Customer frustration around this abuse of DRM technology is evident in Molekule’s 1.4/5 Trustpilot rating; they've also ~~recieved~~ a number of complaints to the Better Business Bureau about devices ceasing to function after filter replacement, and about the high operating costs of the devices with the yearly cost of official filters coming up to over $300.		Customer frustration around this abuse of DRM technology is evident in Molekule’s 1.4/5 Trustpilot rating; they've also received a number of complaints to the Better Business Bureau about devices ceasing to function after filter replacement, and about the high operating costs of the devices with the yearly cost of official filters coming up to over $300.

	}}		}}

Atsumari: New featured article

2025-11-23T11:43:18Z

New featured article

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:43, 23 November 2025
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	{{Featured\|~~Smartwool adds forced arbitration~~ to ~~EULA~~\|\|		{{Featured\|Molekule threatens to remotely shut down their app if purifiers used with third party air filters\|\|

	In ~~March 2024~~, ~~Smartwool, a company~~ that ~~sells socks, quietly opted all customers~~ of ~~their online store into a new TOS that imposed a mandatory forced arbitration clause on all customers~~. They ~~did~~ this ~~with a mass email~~, ~~automatically binding account holders unless they completed a burdensome opt~~-~~out process~~.		In September 2025, air-purifier manufacturer Molekule emailed customers warning that any device using non-genuine "counterfeit" filters would lose remote operability via the app (one of the main reasons to purchase the device in the first place!). They shut off this access on September 22, enshittifying their product for anyone using third-party filters, which are much cheaper than official Molekule ones.

	~~Under~~ the ~~updated terms, consumers can no longer opt out by email. Instead~~, ~~Smartwool requires that objections be submitted via USPS Priority Mail or hand delivery, an absurd requirement~~ costing ~~even more than First Class mail~~. ~~Provisions in the~~ updated ~~terms give the arbitrator authority over scope~~ and ~~enforceability of terms,~~ and ~~require consumers~~ to ~~reimburse Smartwool for arbitration fees~~ if ~~a claim is deemed “frivolous~~.”		Molekule is one of the few air-purifier makers to implement digital rights management (DRM) on consumable filters through NFC tags embedded into the filters, requiring proprietary replacements costing $100–$175 each. The company’s updated Terms of Service and warranty policies prohibit altering or reusing NFC authentication data and reserve the right to void the warranty and render devices “inoperable” if unauthorized filters are detected.

	~~This~~ is a ~~textbook example~~ of ~~[[post-purchase EULA modification]] designed~~ to ~~preempt class-action risk~~, and ~~unfairly deprive customers~~ of the ~~right~~ to ~~sue~~.		Customer frustration around this abuse of DRM technology is evident in Molekule’s 1.4/5 Trustpilot rating; they've also recieved a number of complaints to the Better Business Bureau about devices ceasing to function after filter replacement, and about the high operating costs of the devices with the yearly cost of official filters coming up to over $300.

	}}		}}

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson at 09:20, 22 November 2025

2025-11-22T09:20:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:20, 22 November 2025
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	Under the updated terms, consumers can no longer opt out by email. Instead, Smartwool requires that objections be submitted via USPS Priority Mail or hand delivery, an absurd requirement costing even more than First Class mail. Provisions in the updated terms give the arbitrator authority over scope and enforceability of terms, and require consumers to reimburse Smartwool for arbitration fees if a claim is deemed “frivolous.”		Under the updated terms, consumers can no longer opt out by email. Instead, Smartwool requires that objections be submitted via USPS Priority Mail or hand delivery, an absurd requirement costing even more than First Class mail. Provisions in the updated terms give the arbitrator authority over scope and enforceability of terms, and require consumers to reimburse Smartwool for arbitration fees if a claim is deemed “frivolous.”

	This is a textbook example of [[~~Post~~-purchase EULA modification~~\|post-purchase~~]] ~~EULA modification~~ designed to preempt class-action risk, and unfairly deprive customers of the right to sue.		This is a textbook example of [[post-purchase EULA modification]] designed to preempt class-action risk, and unfairly deprive customers of the right to sue.

	}}		}}

Atsumari: New featured article

2025-11-15T00:02:28Z

New featured article

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:02, 15 November 2025
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	{{Featured\|~~Samsung ads in refrigerators~~\|\|		{{Featured\|Smartwool adds forced arbitration to EULA\|\|
	~~Samsung has drawn consumer backlash after rolling out advertisements on its premium Family Hub smart refrigerators through~~ a mandatory ~~software update~~. ~~These refrigerators~~, ~~priced from $1~~,~~699 to $4~~,~~999~~, ~~now display ads on idle screens~~ in ~~Weather, Color~~, and ~~Daily Board themes unless users switch~~ to ~~select art~~-~~only modes; even then, those are not guaranteed~~ to ~~remain ad~~-~~free. The change contradicts Samsung’s April 2025 public statement claiming it had “no plans”~~ to ~~put ads on appliance screens~~.
			In March 2024, Smartwool, a company that sells socks, quietly opted all customers of their online store into a new TOS that imposed a mandatory forced arbitration clause on all customers. They did this with a mass email, automatically binding account holders unless they completed a burdensome opt-out process.

			Under the updated terms, consumers can no longer opt out by email. Instead, Smartwool requires that objections be submitted via USPS Priority Mail or hand delivery, an absurd requirement costing even more than First Class mail. Provisions in the updated terms give the arbitrator authority over scope and enforceability of terms, and require consumers to reimburse Smartwool for arbitration fees if a claim is deemed “frivolous.”

			This is a textbook example of [[Post-purchase EULA modification\|post-purchase]] EULA modification designed to preempt class-action risk, and unfairly deprive customers of the right to sue.

	Samsung initially confirmed the move as part of a “pilot program” and offered no permanent opt-out. Since then, they have added an option to disable all advertisements, though this also disables the widgets containing the advertisements. Consumers who attempt to block ads via Pi-hole, DNS filtering, or firewall rules risk disabling other core functions such as internal cameras, remote access, weather updates, and SmartThings integration, effectively tying basic functionality to forced opt-in to marketing content. Social media users are calling it a “premium appliance turning into a billboard.” Samsung is currently the only major appliance maker injecting ads into refrigerator displays, setting a worrying precedent for post-purchase monetization in home appliances and contributing to the modern “adpocalypse” that consumers now live in.
	}}		}}

Atsumari: New weekly featured article

2025-11-01T22:09:02Z

New weekly featured article

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:09, 1 November 2025
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	{{Featured\|~~Bose kills SoundTouch and speakers lose smart functionality~~\|\|		{{Featured\|Samsung ads in refrigerators\|\|
			Samsung has drawn consumer backlash after rolling out advertisements on its premium Family Hub smart refrigerators through a mandatory software update. These refrigerators, priced from $1,699 to $4,999, now display ads on idle screens in Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes unless users switch to select art-only modes; even then, those are not guaranteed to remain ad-free. The change contradicts Samsung’s April 2025 public statement claiming it had “no plans” to put ads on appliance screens.

	~~In October 2025~~, ~~Bose announced it would end~~ all ~~cloud support for its SoundTouch product line on February 18~~, ~~2026~~. ~~The shutdown will strip affected devices of streaming services~~, ~~app control~~, ~~and multiroom features~~, ~~which are core components of the system’s design. Consumers have called the move planned obsolescence~~, ~~noting it effectively bricks products still in working order. Despite backlash~~ and ~~petitions~~, ~~Bose has refused~~ to ~~open~~-~~source~~ the ~~platform~~, ~~offering only limited trade~~-in ~~credits instead of allowing consumers~~ to ~~make full use of~~ the ~~device they purchased~~.}}		Samsung initially confirmed the move as part of a “pilot program” and offered no permanent opt-out. Since then, they have added an option to disable all advertisements, though this also disables the widgets containing the advertisements. Consumers who attempt to block ads via Pi-hole, DNS filtering, or firewall rules risk disabling other core functions such as internal cameras, remote access, weather updates, and SmartThings integration, effectively tying basic functionality to forced opt-in to marketing content. Social media users are calling it a “premium appliance turning into a billboard.” Samsung is currently the only major appliance maker injecting ads into refrigerator displays, setting a worrying precedent for post-purchase monetization in home appliances and contributing to the modern “adpocalypse” that consumers now live in.
			}}


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	''Want to suggest a featured article? Add it to the [[Template_talk:Main_Page/Featured\|discussion page]].''		''Want to suggest a featured article? Add it to the [[Template_talk:Main_Page/Featured\|discussion page]].''

Atsumari at 16:35, 17 October 2025

2025-10-17T16:35:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:35, 17 October 2025
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	{{Featured\|Bose kills SoundTouch and speakers lose smart functionality\|\|		{{Featured\|Bose kills SoundTouch and speakers lose smart functionality\|\|

	In October 2025, Bose announced it would end all cloud support for its SoundTouch product line on February 18, 2026. The shutdown will strip affected devices of streaming services, app control, and multiroom features, which are core components of the system’s design. Consumers have called the move planned obsolescence, noting it effectively bricks products still in working order. Despite backlash and petitions, Bose has refused to open-source the platform, offering only limited trade-in credits ~~while citing technical limitations and maintenance costs effectively reinforcing~~ the ~~planned obsolescence mindset~~.}}		In October 2025, Bose announced it would end all cloud support for its SoundTouch product line on February 18, 2026. The shutdown will strip affected devices of streaming services, app control, and multiroom features, which are core components of the system’s design. Consumers have called the move planned obsolescence, noting it effectively bricks products still in working order. Despite backlash and petitions, Bose has refused to open-source the platform, offering only limited trade-in credits instead of allowing consumers to make full use of the device they purchased.}}


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	''Want to suggest a featured article? Add it to the [[Template_talk:Main_Page/Featured\|discussion page]].''		''Want to suggest a featured article? Add it to the [[Template_talk:Main_Page/Featured\|discussion page]].''