Software locks

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As a softer version to activation, and related to features on demand, software-gating is a method to control access to features in consumer electronic hardware, but are not inherently anti-consumer as they provide useful for security features.

This definition does not include closed-source, such as proprietary software or proprietary protocols, as these can still provide the consumer with fully featured access without needing an account, app, or activation.

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Anti-consumer examples

Forced account for data lock-in

Requiring an account in order to be used, such as with some Google Pixels and specific Android devices, and iPhones needing an Apple account create an easy entry-point for data lock-in, making it harder to switch vendors.^{[citation needed (31 Mar 2026)]}

Forced app download

Apps are a popular method for manufacturers to marketed features behind software locks. Examples of this are:

Sony headphones requiring app to tweak its EQ

HVAC app activation of furnace control boards.^{[citation needed (31 Mar 2026)]}

Activation & licensing

When features are locked behind an activation process, it will require server connectivity. Some implications of this include:

Cloud services that are essential to keep the features working can be put offline

The digital services can change in quality or become more privacy invasive over time

References