Consumer_Action_Taskforce

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The service has faced a lot of controversy, particularly around their restructuring beginning around the 2024/2025 school year.
The service has faced a lot of controversy, particularly around their restructuring beginning around the 2024/2025 school year.


== Blocking of 3rd party clients ==
== Consumer impact summary ==
 
* User Freedom:
* User Privacy:
* Business Model:
* Market Control:
 
== Anti-consumer practices ==
 
=== Blocking of third-party clients ===
Many students utilized unofficial clients to use the VULCAN service, particularly during COVID when the service was constantly overloaded as these apps had the ability to download data once and work fully offline,<ref name=":0">[https://szkolny.eu/finale szkolny.eu - "Finale"]</ref><ref>[https://www.dobreprogramy.pl/nie-dzialaja-librus-i-vulcan-zdalne-nauczanie-w-calej-polsce-pod-znakiem-zapytania,6628713723516545a dobreprogramy.pl - "Nie działają Librus i Vulcan. Zdalne nauczanie w całej Polsce pod znakiem zapytania"]</ref> making these apps more preferred as they were generally more reliable than the official app.<ref>[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.edu.vulcan.hebe play.google.com - "Dzienniczek VULCAN"]</ref>
Many students utilized unofficial clients to use the VULCAN service, particularly during COVID when the service was constantly overloaded as these apps had the ability to download data once and work fully offline,<ref name=":0">[https://szkolny.eu/finale szkolny.eu - "Finale"]</ref><ref>[https://www.dobreprogramy.pl/nie-dzialaja-librus-i-vulcan-zdalne-nauczanie-w-calej-polsce-pod-znakiem-zapytania,6628713723516545a dobreprogramy.pl - "Nie działają Librus i Vulcan. Zdalne nauczanie w całej Polsce pod znakiem zapytania"]</ref> making these apps more preferred as they were generally more reliable than the official app.<ref>[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.edu.vulcan.hebe play.google.com - "Dzienniczek VULCAN"]</ref>
[[File:Wulkanowy announcement.webp|alt=Wulkanowy's announcement|thumb|284x284px|Wulkanowy's announcement on Facebook regarding the app being blocked]]
[[File:Wulkanowy announcement.webp|alt=Wulkanowy's announcement|thumb|284x284px|Wulkanowy's announcement on Facebook regarding the app being blocked]]


==== Blocking third party apps ====
====Blocking third-party apps====
On the 25th of April 2024, [https://github.com/wulkanowy/wulkanowy Wulkanowy], one of the most popular 3rd party FOSS clients, mysteriously stopped working and started displaying a "''No Access''" error message upon logging in. Wulkanowy stated this was a deliberate move by Vulcan, who allegedly placed an extra piece of code in the login endpoint’s response. This tricked the app into interpreting the request as a failure, while the official app would continue to function.<ref>[https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/1.webp czyvulcanapojebalo.pl - 1.webp]</ref>
On 25 April 2024, [https://github.com/wulkanowy/wulkanowy Wulkanowy], one of the most popular third-party [[Free and open-source|free-and-open-source]] (FOSS) clients mysteriously stopped working and started displaying a "''No Access''" error message upon logging in. Wulkanowy stated this was a deliberate move by Vulcan, who allegedly placed an extra piece of code in the login endpoint’s response. This tricked the app into interpreting the request as a failure, while the official app would continue to function.<ref>[https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/1.webp czyvulcanapojebalo.pl - 1.webp]</ref>


[https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/historia czyvulcanapojebalo.pl] also alleges that Vulcan analyzed the Wulkanowy SDK further to try to exploit every potential vulnerability that could cause the app to malfunction.<ref name=":1">[https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/historia czyvulcanapojebalo.pl - "Historia"]</ref><ref>[https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/2.webp czyvulcanapojebalo.pl - 2.webp]</ref>
The website [https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/historia czyvulcanapojebalo.pl] also alleges that Vulcan analyzed the Wulkanowy SDK further to try to exploit every potential vulnerability that could cause the app to malfunction.<ref name=":1">[https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/historia czyvulcanapojebalo.pl - "Historia"]</ref><ref>[https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/2.webp czyvulcanapojebalo.pl - 2.webp]</ref>


Later versions of VULCAN introduced additional variables in the web requests made by the app, causing third-party clients to become inoperable after each official app update, as these variables were altered with every new version.<ref>[https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/78eb70a76aad7815563ab9a63882b2b788aeb9cf/generator/src/main/kotlin/mapping/VTokens.kt#L64 github.com/wulkanowy/messages/ - VTokens.kt#L64]</ref>
Later versions of VULCAN introduced additional variables in the web requests made by the app, causing third-party clients to become inoperable after each official app update, as these variables were altered with every new version.<ref>[https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/78eb70a76aad7815563ab9a63882b2b788aeb9cf/generator/src/main/kotlin/mapping/VTokens.kt#L64 github.com/wulkanowy/messages/ - VTokens.kt#L64]</ref>


==== Legal threats ====
====Legal threats====
In the beginning of June, VULCAN started sending out '''cease-and-desist letters''' to third party app developers, ordering them to cease app development completely and make all apps display a message that was allegedly prepared by Vulcan themselves.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> As such, nearly all forks and clients of the app stopped development and were updated to only display a static message<ref>[https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/c3b888cfb45e3b0419a9cb25714c6307ca3063a1/generator/src/main/kotlin/end.kt github.com/wulkanowy/messages/ - end.kt]</ref>, and their respective app store pages were removed in June and July.
In the beginning of June, VULCAN started sending out cease-and-desist letters to third-party app developers, ordering them to cease app development completely and make all apps display a message that was allegedly prepared by Vulcan themselves.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> As such, nearly all forks and clients of the app stopped development and were updated to only display a static message,<ref>[https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/c3b888cfb45e3b0419a9cb25714c6307ca3063a1/generator/src/main/kotlin/end.kt github.com/wulkanowy/messages/ - end.kt]</ref> and their respective app store pages were removed in June and July.


On August 22, 2024, just before the new school year began, [https://github.com/wezuwiusz/neowulkanowy Wezuwiusz], a fork of Wulkanowy preparing for compatibility with eduVULCAN, also received a cease-and-desist letter. It was allegedly sent by one of the biggest law firms in Poland and was accusing the developers of:
On August 22, 2024, just before the new school year began, [https://github.com/wezuwiusz/neowulkanowy Wezuwiusz], a fork of Wulkanowy preparing for compatibility with eduVULCAN, also received a cease-and-desist letter. It was allegedly sent by one of the biggest law firms in Poland and was accusing the developers of:


* '''Trademark infringement,'''
*Trademark infringement,
* '''Unfair competition,'''
*Unfair competition,
* '''Damaging their server infrastructure via scraping, allegedly leading to higher server costs, and'''
*Damaging their server infrastructure by scraping, allegedly leading to higher server costs, and
* '''Harming Vulcan's reputation.'''
*Harming Vulcan's reputation.


Additionally, Vulcan criticized the [https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/10.webp developer’s review of the official app on Google Play] and referred to unofficial apps as "parasites."<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
Additionally, Vulcan criticized the [https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/10.webp developer’s review of the official app on Google Play] and referred to unofficial apps as "parasites".<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />


The eduVULCAN Terms of Service were also adjusted to disallow the use of apps that "''automate logging in and receiving data from the website''" for "''security and confidentiality reasons''" and to clarify that Vulcan "''may employ technological measures to block access to the service using such software''" (§3, section 11).<ref>[https://eduvulcan.pl/dokumenty/regulamin eduvulcan.pl - Terms of Service "Regulamin"]</ref> These measures appeared to prepare the way for the new account system.
The eduVULCAN [[terms of service]] were also adjusted to forbid the use of apps that "automate logging in and receiving data from the website" for "security and confidentiality reasons" and to clarify that Vulcan "may employ technological measures to block access to the service using such software" (§3, section 11).<ref>[https://eduvulcan.pl/dokumenty/regulamin eduvulcan.pl - Terms of Service "Regulamin"]</ref> These measures appeared to prepare the way for the new account system.


== New eduVULCAN account system ==
=== New eduVULCAN account system ===
Just before the start of the 2024/2025 school year, Vulcan announced the eduVULCAN platform and changes to their account system. There are now two types of accounts:
Just before the start of the 2024/2025 school year, Vulcan announced the eduVULCAN platform and changes to their account system. There are now two types of accounts:


# '''Basic accounts''' - Which have no access to the mobile app.
#'''Basic accounts''', which have no access to the mobile app, and
# '''''eduVULCAN'' accounts''' - Which provide access to the mobile app but come with new limitations.
#'''''eduVULCAN'' accounts,''' which provide access to the mobile app but with new limitations.


Several '''''previously free''''' features in the VULCAN mobile app, such as '''push notifications, messaging teachers, and submitting absence notes,''' are now behind a paywall. The cost for the full school year is '''32.99 PLN with tax''' (around 8 USD) '''per student'''.<ref>[https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/usluga-rozszerzona/#oferta dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl - "Usługa rozszerzona"]</ref> This fee is in addition to the costs schools pay for access to the service, which remains undisclosed.
Several previously free features in the VULCAN mobile app, such as push notifications, messaging teachers, and submitting absence notes, are now behind a paywall. The cost for the full school year is 32.99 PLN (around 8 USD) with tax per student.<ref>[https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/usluga-rozszerzona/#oferta dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl - "Usługa rozszerzona"]</ref> This fee is in addition to the costs schools pay for access to the service, which remains undisclosed.


Access to the website version of these features is still free, however this is required by law.<ref>[https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20240000050/O/D20240050.pdf isap.sejm.gov.pl - WDU20240000050/O/D20240050.pdf]</ref>
Access to the website version of these features is still free, as required by law.<ref>[https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20240000050/O/D20240050.pdf isap.sejm.gov.pl - WDU20240000050/O/D20240050.pdf]</ref>


While you can quickly switch a basic account to an ''eduVULCAN'' one<ref>[https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kzw/#:~:text=czy%20moge%20zmienic%20zwyk%C5%82e%20konto%20na%20konto%20eduvulcan%3F dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl - "Konto zwykłe w Dzienniku VULCAN"]</ref>, you can't switch back an ''eduVULCAN'' account to a basic one without having to reset your entire account (this requires the school's secretary office to print a new one-time code).<ref>[https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/baza-wiedzy/#:~:text=czy%20moge%20zmienic%20konto%20eduvulcan%20na%20zwyk%C5%82e%20konto%3F dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl - "Baza wiedzy"]</ref>
While you can quickly switch a basic account to an ''eduVULCAN'' one<ref>[https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kzw/#:~:text=czy%20moge%20zmienic%20zwyk%C5%82e%20konto%20na%20konto%20eduvulcan%3F dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl - "Konto zwykłe w Dzienniku VULCAN"]</ref>, you can't switch back an ''eduVULCAN'' account to a basic one without having to reset your entire account (this requires the school's secretary office to print a new one-time code).<ref>[https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/baza-wiedzy/#:~:text=czy%20moge%20zmienic%20konto%20eduvulcan%20na%20zwyk%C5%82e%20konto%3F dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl - "Baza wiedzy"]</ref>


==== Public reception ====
====Public reception====
The changes were met with extreme criticism as students and parents opposed the new payment options, sparking discussion around the Polish parliament about a possible creation of a free state-owned e-journal system.<ref>[https://strefaedukacji.pl/oplaty-za-edzienniki-rodzice-narzekaja-a-firmy-sie-tlumacza-bedzie-nowa-platforma-dla-szkol/ar/c5-18803353#medukacja-zamiast-komercyjnych-firm-z-dziennikami strefaedukacji.pl - "Opłaty za e-dzienniki? Rodzice narzekają, a firmy się tłumaczą. Będzie nowa platforma dla szkół"]</ref>
The changes were met with extreme criticism as students and parents opposed the new payment options, sparking discussion around the Polish parliament about a possible creation of a free state-owned e-journal system.<ref>[https://strefaedukacji.pl/oplaty-za-edzienniki-rodzice-narzekaja-a-firmy-sie-tlumacza-bedzie-nowa-platforma-dla-szkol/ar/c5-18803353#medukacja-zamiast-komercyjnych-firm-z-dziennikami strefaedukacji.pl - "Opłaty za e-dzienniki? Rodzice narzekają, a firmy się tłumaczą. Będzie nowa platforma dla szkół"]</ref>


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[https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9X sejm.gov.pl - "Interpelacja nr 4595"]  
[https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9X sejm.gov.pl - "Interpelacja nr 4595"]  


[https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93FEA sejm.gov.pl - "Interpelacja nr 4735"] </ref> However, the responses offered no substantial new information, as Vulcan complies with legal requirements by providing "''at least one channel of free access to the electronic journal [...] whether on a stationary device or on a mobile device with Internet access (via a web browser)''."<ref>[https://www.gov.pl/attachment/549af198-803b-4216-a5f2-088dc2fa9082 gov.pl - a_Zawiadomienie_z_sposobie_załatwienia_petycji_1_i_2_z_15_września_2024_r.pdf]</ref>
[https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93FEA sejm.gov.pl - "Interpelacja nr 4735"] </ref> However, the responses offered no substantial new information, as Vulcan complies with legal requirements by providing "at least one channel of free access to the electronic journal [...] whether on a stationary device or on a mobile device with Internet access (via a web browser)."<ref>[https://www.gov.pl/attachment/549af198-803b-4216-a5f2-088dc2fa9082 gov.pl - a_Zawiadomienie_z_sposobie_załatwienia_petycji_1_i_2_z_15_września_2024_r.pdf]</ref>
 
== References ==


[[Category:Products]]
==References==
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]
[[Category:EduVULCAN]]
<references />
Retrieved from "https://consumerrights.wiki/wiki/EduVULCAN"