Software bricking

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A piece of software being referred to as "bricked" simply means the program has been rendered unusable. Software bricking is a malicious practice in which a company revokes user access to a previously purchased product in order to pressure the consumer to make another purchase. This anti consumer practice is a common way for companies to attempt to increase their sales.

Why This is a Problem

Software bricking is a problematic practice as it allows issuers of software to revoke user access to their software for any reason. Software distribution companies can and have used this practice to encourage consumers to purchase the newer version of the software.