StarForce Technologies

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StarForce Technologies

Basic information
Founded	2000-09
Legal Structure	Private
Industry	Software
Official website	https://www.star-force.com/

StarForce Technologies is a Russia software company that specializes in the development of copy protection and digital rights management (DRM) systems. Founded in 2000, the company is known for its protection technologies used primarily on video games and software applications to prevent unauthorized copying and distributing. The company operates under the legal name Protection Technology, LLC and is a resident of the Skolkovo Foundation, a Russian high-tech business center.

Consumer-impact summary

Starforce has been widely criticized for its conduct towards users, particularly regarding its intrusive nature and the potential for system damage. The most significant concerns revolve around user freedom and privacy, as the software installs a kernel-level driver on a user's computer as a part without explicit, easy to understand consent, a practice similar to a rootkit.

Incidents

StarForce DRM and hardware damage in the 2000's

In the 2000's, there were numerous users who alleged that StarForce damaged their optical drives. The kernel-level driver was accused of interfering with CD and DVD drive firmware, causing the drives to constantly spin discs at high speeds, which led to excessive wear, overheating, and eventual failure for some users.

See also

Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.

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