<!--#include virtual="/server/header.html" --> <!-- Parent-Version:1.791.96 --> <!--#set var="DISABLE_TOP_ADDENDUM" value="yes" --> <!-- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please do not edit <ul class="blurbs">! Instead, edit /proprietary/workshop/mal.rec, then regenerate pages. See explanations in /proprietary/workshop/README.md. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --> <title>Proprietary Sabotage - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation</title> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/side-menu.css" media="screen,print" /> <!--#include virtual="/proprietary/po/proprietary-sabotage.translist" --> <!--#include virtual="/server/banner.html" --> <div class="nav"> <a id="side-menu-button" class="switch" href="#navlinks"> <img id="side-menu-icon" height="32" src="/graphics/icons/side-menu.png" title="Section contents" alt=" [Section contents] " /> </a> <p class="breadcrumb"> <a href="/"><img src="/graphics/icons/home.png" height="24" alt="GNU Home" title="GNU Home" /></a> / <a href="/proprietary/proprietary.html">Malware</a> / By type / </p> </div> <!--GNUN: OUT-OF-DATE NOTICE--> <!--#include virtual="/server/top-addendum.html" --> <div style="clear: both"></div> <div id="last-div" class="reduced-width"> <h2>Proprietary Sabotage</h2><a href="/proprietary/proprietary.html">Other examples of proprietary malware</a><div class="infobox"> <hr class="full-width" /> <p>Nonfree (proprietary) software is very often malware (designed to mistreat the user). Nonfree software is controlled by its developers, which puts them in a position of power over the users; <a href="/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">that is the basic injustice</a>. The developers and manufacturers often exercise that power to the detriment of the users they ought to serve.</p><p>Here<p>This typically takes the form of malicious functionalities.</p> <hr class="full-width" /> </div> <div class="article"> <p>Some malicious functionalities mediate sabotage, i.e. abusive interference of the developer into the use of the software, with harmful consequences for the users. Examples of such situations are listed below.</p> <div class="important"> <p>If you know of an example that ought to be in this page but isn't here, please write to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><webmasters@gnu.org></a> to inform us. Please include the URL of a trustworthy reference or two to serve as specific substantiation.</p> </div> <div class="column-limit" id="proprietary-sabotage"></div> <ul class="blurbs"> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202401180.1"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-01</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p><a href="/proprietary/uhd-bluray-denies-your-freedom.html">UHD Blu-ray disks areexamplesloaded with malware of the worst kinds</a>. Not only does playback of these disks on a PC require proprietary software and hardware that enforce AACS, a very nasty DRM, but developers of software players are forbidden from disclosing any source code. The user could also lose the ability to play AACS-restricted disks anytime by attempting to play a new Blu-ray disk.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202312060"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-12</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p><a href="https://badcyber.com/dieselgate-but-for-trains-some-heavyweight-hardware-hacking/">Newag, a Polish railway manufacturer, puts DRM inside trains to prevent third-party repairs</a>.</p> <ul> <li><p>The train's software contains code to detect if the GPS coordinates are near some third party repairers, or the train hassomething worse thannot been running for some time. If yes, the train will be “locked up” (i.e. bricked). It was also possible to unlock it by pressing a secret combination of buttons in the cockpit, but this ability was removed by a manufacturer's software update.</p></li> <li><p>The train will also lock up after a certain date, which is hardcoded in the software.</p></li> <li><p>The company pushes a software update that detects if the DRM code has been bypassed, i.e. the lock should have been engaged but the train is still operational. If yes, the controller cabin screen will display a scary message warning about “copyright violation”.</p></li> </ul> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202311301"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-11</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20231213150111/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/technology/iphone-repair-apple-control.html">To block non-Apple repairs, Apple encodes the iMonster serial number in the original parts</a>. This is called “parts pairing”. Swapping parts between working iMonsters of the same model causes malfunction or disabling of some functionalities. Part replacement may also trigger persistent alerts, unless it is done by an Apple store.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202311070"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-11</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Chamberlain Group <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/11/chamberlain-blocks-smart-garage-door-opener-from-working-with-smart-homes/">blocks users from using third-party software</a> with its garage openers. This is an intentional attack on using free software. The official garage opener proprietary mobile app is now also <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/09/lead-me-not-into-temptation/#chamberlain">infested with ads, including up-selling its other services and devices.</a></p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202305100"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-05</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>HP delivers printers with a universal back door, and recently used it to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/may/10/how-can-hp-block-me-from-using-a-cheaper-printer-cartridge"> sabotage them by remotely installing malware</a>. The malware makes the printer refuse to function with non-HP ink cartrides, and even with old HP cartridges which HP now declares to have “expired.” HP calls the back door “dynamic security,” and has the gall to claim that this “security” protects users from malware.</p> <p>If you own an HP printer that can still use non-HP cartridges, we urge you to disconnect it from the internet. This will ensure that HP doesn't sabotage it by “updating” its software.</p> <p><small>Note how the author of the Guardian article credulously repeats HP's assertion that the “dynamic security” feature protects users against malware, not recognizing that the article demonstrates it does the opposite.</small></p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202208070"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2022-08</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Some Epson printers are programmed to <a href="https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/22/08/07/0350244/epson-programs-some-printers-to-stop-operating-claiming-danger-of-ink-spills"> stop working after they have printed a predetermined number of pages</a>, on the pretext that ink pads become saturated with ink. This constitutes an unacceptable infringement on users' freedom to use their printers as they wish, and on their <a href="https://fighttorepair.substack.com/p/citing-danger-of-ink-spills-epson"> right to repair them</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202207300"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2022-07</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>The nonfree software in a Tesla artificially <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jul/30/will-connected-cars-persuade-drivers-to-pay-for-a-high-spec-ride"> limits the car's driving range</a>, demanding ransom to unlock the battery's full charge.</p> <p>This is one more reason why cars must not be “connected.”</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202207010"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2022-07</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>ATMs and vending machines in Russia run nonfree software—The machines' owners <a href="https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/07/01/russian-atms-reject-new-100-ruble-bill-kommersant-a78175"> cannot fix them</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202111201"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-11</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>NordicTrack, a company that sells exercise machines with ability to show videos <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/11/locked-out-of-god-mode-runners-are-hacking-their-treadmills/">limits what people can watch, and recently disabled a feature</a> that was originally functional. This happened through automatic update and probably involved a universal back door.</p><ul> <li></li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202110130"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-10</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Adobe <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20211014123717/https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/13/theres-an-app-for-that/#gnash">has licensed its Flash Player to China's Zhong Cheng Network</a> who is offering the program bundled with spyware and a back door that can remotely deactivate it.</p> <p>Adobe is responsible for this since they gave Zhong Cheng Network permission to do this. This injustice involves “misuse” of the DMCA, but “proper,” intended use of the DMCA is a much bigger injustice. There is <a href="/philosophy/right-to-read.html">a series of errors related to DMCA</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202105040"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-05</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>A motorcycle company named Klim is selling airbag vests with different payment methods, one of them is through a <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/93yyyd/this-motorcycle-airbag-vest-will-stop-working-if-you-miss-a-payment">proprietary subscription-based option that will block the vest from inflating if the payments don't go through</a>.</p> <p>They say there is a 30-days grace period if you miss a payment but the grace period is no excuse to the insecurity.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202011120"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-11</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Apple has <a href="https://sneak.berlin/20201112/your-computer-isnt-yours/">implemented a malware in its computers that imposes surveillance</a> on users and reports users' computing to Apple.</p> <p>The reports are even unencrypted and they've been leaking this data for two years already. This malware is reporting to Apple what user opens what program at what time. It also gives Apple power to sabotage users' computing.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202011060"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-11</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>A new app published by Google <a href="https://www.xda-developers.com/google-device-lock-controller-banks-payments/">lets banks and creditors deactivate people's Android devices</a> if they fail to make payments. If someone's device gets deactivated, it will be limited to basic functionality, such as emergency calling and access to settings.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202010120"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-10</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Samsung is forcing its smartphone users in Hong Kong (and Macau) <a href="https://blog.headuck.com/2020/10/12/samsung-phones-force-mainland-china-dns-service-upon-hong-kong-wifi-users/">to use a public DNS in Mainland China</a>, using software update released in September 2020, which causes many unease and privacy concerns.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202008182"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-08</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Oculus headsets <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/18/21372435/oculus-facebook-login-change-separate-account-support-end-quest-october">require users to identify themselves to Facebook</a>. This will give Facebook free rein to pervasively snoop on Oculus users.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202007280"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-07</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>The Focals eyeglass display, with snooping microphone, has been eliminated. Google eliminated it by buying the manufacturer and shutting it down. It also <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/canadian-smart-glasses-going-offline-weeks-after-company-bought-by-google-1.5042010">shut down the server these devices depend on</a>, which caused the ones already sold to cease to function.</p> <p>It may be a good thing to wipe out this product—for “smart,” read “snoop”—but Google didn't do that for the sake of privacy. Rather, it was eliminating competition for its own snooping product.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M202007270"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-07</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>The Mellow sous-vide cooker is tethered to a server. The company suddenly <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/mellow-sous-vide-owners-get-unwelcome-subscription-surprise-28630842/"> turned this tethering into a subscription</a>, forbidding users from taking advantage of the “advanced features” of the cooker unless they pay a monthly fee.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201912090"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-12</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>iMonsters and Android phones, when used for work, give employers powerful <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90440073/if-you-use-your-personal-phone-for-work-say-goodbye-to-your-privacy"> snooping and sabotage capabilities</a> if they install their own software on the device. Many employers demand to do this. For the employee, this is simply nonfree software, as fundamentally unjust and as dangerous as any other nonfree software.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201910071"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-10</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Adobe has <a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/software/adobe-to-ban-users-from-venezuela-due-to-us-executive-order/"> cancelled the software subscriptions of all users in Venezuela</a>. This demonstrates how a requirement for subscription can be turned into a tool for sabotage.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201909160"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-09</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Tesla users claim Tesla <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tesla-battery/tesla-owner-lawsuit-claims-software-update-fraudulently-cut-battery-capacity-idUSKCN1UY2TW/">force-installed software to cut down on battery range</a>, rather than replace the defective batteries. Tesla did this to avoid having to run their warranty.</p> <p>This means that proprietary software can potentially be a way to commit perjury with impunity.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201909061"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-09</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Best Buy made controllable appliances and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/6/20853671/best-buy-connect-insignia-smart-plug-wifi-freezer-mobile-app-shutdown-november-6"> shut down the service to control them through</a>.</p> <p>Best Buy acknowledged that it was mistreating its customers by doing so, and offered reimbursement of the affected appliances. The fact remains, however, that tethering a device to a server is a way of restricting and harassing users. The nonfree software in the device is what stops users from cutting the tether.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201908130"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-08</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>When Apple suspects a user of fraud, it judges the case secretly and presents the verdict as a fait accompli. The punishment to a user found guilty <a href="https://qz.com/1683460/what-happens-to-your-itunes-account-when-apple-says-youve-committed-fraud">is being cut off for life, which more-or-less cripples the user's Apple devices forever</a>. There is no appeal.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201905140"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-05</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Adobe <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/a3xk3p/adobe-tells-users-they-can-get-sued-for-using-old-versions-of-photoshop"> revoked the license of some older versions</a> of its applications, and warned customers that they can get sued for using them.</p> <p>This is further proof that users of nonfree software are in the hands of its developer.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201904260"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-04</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>The Jibo robot toys were tethered to the manufacturer's server, and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-north-america-technology-business-ap-top-news-99c9ec8ebad242ca88178e22c7642648"> the company made them all cease to work</a> by shutting down that server.</p> <p>The shutdown might ironically be good for their users, since the product was designed to manipulate people by presenting a phony semblance of emotions, and was most certainly spying on them.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201904041"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-04</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Microsoft has been <a href="https://borncity.com/win/2019/01/17/windows-10-update-kb4023057-re-released-1-16-2019/"> force-installing a “remediation” program</a> on computers running certain versions of Windows 10. Remediation, in Microsoft's view, means <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb4023057-update-health-tools-windows-update-service-components-fccad0ca-dc10-2e46-9ed1-7e392450fb3a"> tampering with users' settings and files</a>, notably to “repair” any components of the updating system that users may have intentionally disabled, and thus regain full power over them. Microsoft repeatedly pushed faulty versions of this program to users' machines, causing numerous problems, some of which <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240223182933/https://www.windowsmode.com/microsoft-suspends-windows-10-october-2018-update-rollout-due-to-critical-bugs/"> critical</a>.</p> <p>This exemplifies the arrogant and manipulative attitude that proprietary software developers have learned to adopt toward the people they are supposedly serving. Migrate to a <a href="/distros/free-distros.html">free operating system</a> if you can!</p> <p>If your employer makes you run Windows, tell the financial department how this wastes your time dealing with endless connections and premature hardware failures.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201904040"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-04</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Ebooks “bought” from Microsoft's store check that their DRM is valid by connecting to the store every time their “owner” wants to read them. Microsoft is going to close this store, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-47810367"> bricking all DRM'ed ebooks it has ever “sold”</a>. (The article additionally highlights the pitfalls of DRM.)</p> <p>This is another proof that a DRM-encumbered product doesn't belong to the person who bought it. Microsoft said it will refund customers, but this is no excuse for selling them restricted books.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201903250"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-03</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>The British supermarket Tesco sold tablets which were tethered to Tesco's server for reinstalling default settings. Tesco <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/mar/25/tesco-hudl-tablet-support-kill-fix"> turned off the server for old models</a>, so now if you try to reinstall the default settings, it bricks them instead.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201902041"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-02</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Twenty nine “beauty camera” apps that used to be on Google Play had one or more malicious functionalities, such as stealing users' photos instead of “beautifying” them, <a href="https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/02/03/google-bans-29-beauty-camera-apps-from-the-play-store-that-steal-your-photos/"> pushing unwanted and often malicious ads on users, and redirecting them to phishing sites</a> that stole their credentials. Furthermore, the user interface of most of them was designed to make uninstallation difficult.</p> <p>Users should of course uninstall these dangerous apps if they haven't yet, but they should also stay away from nonfree apps in general. <em>All</em> nonfree apps carry a potential risk because there is no easy way of knowing what they really do.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201811020"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-11</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Foundry's graphics software <a href="https://torrentfreak.com/software-company-fines-pirates-after-monitoring-their-computers-181102/"> reports information to identify who is running it</a>. The result is often a legal threat demanding a lot of money.</p> <p>The fact that this is used for repression of forbidden sharing makes it even more vicious.</p> <p>This illustrates that making unauthorized copies of nonfree software is not a cure for the injustice of nonfree software. It may avoid paying for the nasty thing, but cannot make it less nasty.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201810240"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-10</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Apple and Samsung deliberately <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/oct/24/apple-samsung-fined-for-slowing-down-phones">degrade the performance of older phones to force users to buy their newer phones</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201810150"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-10</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Printer manufacturers are very innovative—at blocking the use of independent replacement ink cartridges. Their “security upgrades” occasionally impose new forms of cartridge DRM. <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/pa98ab/printer-makers-are-crippling-cheap-ink-cartridges-via-bogus-security-updates"> HP and Epson have done this</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201807050"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-07</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>The Jawbone fitness tracker was tethered to a proprietary phone app. In 2017, the company shut down and made the app stop working. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jul/05/defunct-jawbone-fitness-trackers-kept-selling-after-app-closure-says-which">All the existing trackers stopped working forever</a>.</p> <p>The article focuses on a further nasty fillip, that sales of the broken devices continued. But we think that is a secondary issue; it made the nasty consequences extend to some additional people. The fundamental wrong was to design the devices to depend on something else that didn't respect users' freedom.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201806250"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-06</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>The game Metal Gear Rising for MacOS was tethered to a server. The company <a href="https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/400087-metal-gear-rising-mac-unplayable-drm"> shut down the server, and all copies stopped working</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201805310"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-05</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Apple has <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/31/17412396/telegram-apple-app-store-app-updates-russia">blocked Telegram from upgrading its app for a month</a>.</p> <p>This evidently has to do with Russia's command to Apple to block Telegram in Russia.</p> <p>The Telegram client is free software on other platforms, but not on iThings. Since <a href="/proprietary/proprietary-jails.html#apple">they are jails</a>, they don't permit any app to be free software.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201711080"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-11</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Logitech will sabotage all Harmony Link household control devices by <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/11/logitech-to-shut-down-service-and-support-for-harmony-link-devices-in-2018/"> turning off the server through which the products' supposed owners communicate with them</a>.</p> <p>The owners suspect this is to pressure them to buy a newer model. If they are wise, they will learn, rather, to distrust any product that requires users to talk with them through some specialized service.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201710044"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-10</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>MacOS High Sierra forcibly reformats SSD boot drives, and <a href="https://www.macworld.com/article/230582/apple-file-system-apfs-faq.html"> changes the file system from HFS+ to APFS</a>, which cannot be accessed from GNU/Linux, Windows or even older versions of MacOS.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201710040.1"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-10</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>The Canary home surveillance camera has been sabotaged by its manufacturer, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/10/4/16426394/canary-smart-home-camera-free-service-update-change"> turning off many features unless the user starts paying for a subscription</a>.</p> <p>With manufacturers like these, who needs security breakers?</p> <p>The purchasers should learn the larger lesson and reject connected appliances with embedded proprietary software. Every such product is a temptation to commit sabotage.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201709090"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-09</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Tesla used software to limit customers to using just <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/09/tesla-flips-a-switch-to-increase-the-range-of-some-cars-in-florida-to-help-people-evacuate/">part of the battery of some cars</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201708230"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-08</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Sonos <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/sonos-accept-new-privacy-policy-speakers-cease-to-function/"> told all its customers, “Agree” to snooping or the product will stop working</a>. <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/consumerist/sonos-holds-software-updates-hostage-if-you-dont-sign-new-privacy-agreement/"> Another article</a> says they won't forcibly change the software, but people won't be able to get any upgrades and eventually it will stop working.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201706060"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-06</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Apple will stop <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jun/06/iphone-ipad-apps-games-apple-5-5c-obsolete">fixing bugs for older model iThings</a>.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Apple stops people from fixing problems themselves; that's the nature of proprietary software.</p> </li><li><p> Microsoft<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201705180"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-05</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Bird and rabbit pets were implemented for Second Life by a company that tethered their food to a server. <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/second-life-ozimals-pet-rabbits-dying"> It shut down the server and the pets more or less died</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201704194"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-04</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Microsoft has made Windows 7 and 8 cease to function on certain new computers, <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/installing-updates-features-roles/processor-not-supported-together-with-windows-version">effectively forcing their owners to switch to Windows 10</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201704134"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-04</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Microsoft <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/04/new-processors-are-now-blocked-from-receiving-updates-on-old-windows/"> has dropped support for Windows 7 and 8 on recent processors</a> in a big hurry.</p> <p>It makes no difference what legitimate reasons Microsoft might have for not doing work to support them. If it doesn't want to do this work, it should let users do the work.</p> </li><li><!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201704120"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-04</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Anova sabotaged users' cooking devices with a downgrade that tethered them to a remote server. <ahref="https://consumerist.com/2017/04/12/anova-ticks-off-customers-by-requiring-mandatory-accounts-to-cook-food/#more-10275062">Unlesshref="https://web.archive.org/web/20170415145520/https://consumerist.com/2017/04/12/anova-ticks-off-customers-by-requiring-mandatory-accounts-to-cook-food/">Unless users create an account on Anova's servers, their cookers won'tfunction.</a></p>function</a>.</p> </li><li> <p>The<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201704070"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-04</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p id="iphone7-sabotage">The iPhone 7 contains DRM specifically designed to <ahref="https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/iphone-7-home-button-unreplaceable-repair-software-lock">href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/kbjm8e/iphone-7-home-button-unreplaceable-repair-software-lock"> brick it if an “unauthorized” repair shop fixes it</a>. “Unauthorized” essentially means anyone besides Apple.</p><p>The<p><small>(The article uses the term “lock” to describe the DRM, but we prefer to use the term <ahref="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#DigitalLocks">href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#DigitalLocks"> digitalhandcuffs</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Microsoft has made Windows 7 and 8 cease to function on certain new computers, <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4012982/discusses-an-issue-in-which-you-receive-a-your-pc-uses-a-processor-tha">effectively forcing their owners to switch to Windows 10</a>.</p>handcuffs</a>.)</small></p> </li><li> <p> The<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201612200"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-12</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>The developer of Ham Radio Deluxe <ahref="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20161220/12411836320/company-bricks-users-software-after-he-posts-negative-review.shtml">sabotagedhref="https://www.techdirt.com/2016/12/22/software-company-shows-how-not-to-handle-negative-review/">sabotaged a customer's installation as punishment for posting a negativereview</a>. </p>review</a>.</p> <p>Most proprietary software companies don't use their power so harshly, but it is an injustice that they all <em>have</em> such power.</p> </li><li><!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201609200"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-09</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>HP's firmware downgrade <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/sep/20/hp-inkjet-printers-unofficial-cartridges-software-update">imposed DRM on some printers, which now refuse to function with third-party ink cartridges</a>.</p> </li><li><!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201606270"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-06</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p id="windows10-forcing">In its efforts to trick users of Windows 7 and 8 into installing all-spying Windows 10 against their will, Microsoft forced their computers to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/sep/11/microsoft-downloading-windows-1"> silently download… the whole of Windows 10</a>! Apparently, this was done through a <a href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html#windows-update"> universal back door</a>. Not only did the unwanted downloads <a href="https://www.theregister.com/2016/06/03/windows_10_upgrade_satellite_link/"> jeopardize important operations in regions of the world with poor connectivity</a>, but many of the people who let installation proceed found out that this “upgrade” was in fact a <a href="https://gizmodo.com/woman-wins-10-000-from-microsoft-after-unwanted-window-1782666146"> downgrade</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201606080"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-06</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Apple <a href="https://www.theregister.com/2016/04/14/uninstall_quicktime_for_windows/"> stops users from fixing the security bugs in Quicktime for Windows</a>, while refusing to fix them itself.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201606010"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-06</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Once Microsoft has tricked a user into accepting installation of Windows 10, <ahref="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/06/01/windows_10_nagware_no_way_out/">theyhref="https://www.theregister.com/2016/06/01/windows_10_nagware_no_way_out/">they find that they are denied the option to cancel or even postpone the imposed date of installation</a>.</p> <p>This demonstrates what we've said for years: using proprietary software means letting someone have power over you, and you're going to get screwed sooner or later.</p> </li><li><!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201605040"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-05</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>The Apple Music client program <ahref="https://blog.vellumatlanta.com/2016/05/04/apple-stole-my-music-no-seriously/">scanshref="https://web.archive.org/web/20170520213355/https://blog.vellumatlanta.com/2016/05/04/apple-stole-my-music-no-seriously/">scans the user's file system for music files, copies them to an Apple server, and deletes them</a>.</p> </li><li> <p>Apple<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201604050"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-04</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Revolv is a device that managed “smart home” operations: switching lights, operate motion sensors, regulating temperature, etc. Its proprietary software depends on a remote server to do these tasks. On May 15th, 2016, Google/Alphabet <ahref="https://web.archive.org/web/20160608183145/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/04/14/uninstall_quicktime_for_windows/"> stopshref="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/04/nest-reminds-customers-ownership-isnt-what-it-used-be">intentionally broke it by shutting down the server</a>.</p> <p>If it were free software, usersfrom fixingwould have thesecurity bugs in Quicktime for Windows</a>, while refusingability tofixmake it work again, differently, and then have a freedom-respecting home instead of a “smart” home. Don't let proprietary software control your devices and turn themitself.</p>into $300 out-of-warranty bricks. Insist on self-contained computers that run free software!</p> </li><li><!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201603060"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-03</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Electronic Arts <a href="https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/darkspore-servers-shut-down">made one of its games permanently unplayable</a> by shutting down its servers. This game was heavily reliant on the company's servers, and because the software is proprietary, users can't modify it to make it connect to some other server. If the game were free, people could still play what they purchased.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201602050"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-02</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>iOS version 9 for iThings <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/feb/05/error-53-apple-iphone-software-update-handset-worthless-third-party-repair">sabotages them irreparably if they were repaired by someone other than Apple</a>. Apple eventually backed off from this policy under criticism from the users. However, it has not acknowledged that this was wrong.</p> </li><li> <p>Phillips<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201601310"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-01</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>FTDI's proprietary driver for its USB-to-serial chips has been designed to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/10/windows-update-drivers-bricking-usb-serial-chips-beloved-of-hardware-hackers/">sabotage alternative compatible chips</a> so that they no longer work. Microsoft is <a href="https://it.slashdot.org/story/16/01/31/1720259/ftdi-driver-breaks-hardware-again">installing this automatically</a> as an “upgrade”.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201512140"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-12</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Philips “smart” lightbulbs had initially been designed to interact with other companies' smart light bulbs, but <ahref="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20151214/07452133070/lightbulb-drm-philips-locks-purchasers-out-third-party-bulbs-with-firmware-update.shtml">href="https://www.techdirt.com/2015/12/14/lightbulb-drm-philips-locks-purchasers-out-third-party-bulbs-with-firmware-update/"> later the company updated the firmware to disallow interoperability</a>.</p> <p>If a product is “smart”, and you didn't build it, it is cleverly serving its manufacturer <em>against you</em>.</p> </li><li> <p>Microsoft is <a href="http://gizmodo.com/woman-wins-10-000-from-microsoft-after-unwanted-window-1782666146"> forcibly pushing</a> <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/article/3012278/microsoft-windows/microsoft-sets-stage-for-massive-windows-10-upgrade-strategy.html">Windows update to its version 10</a>, ignoring the flag on Windows 7 or 8 that you could set to<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do notupgrade. This reaffirms the presence of a <a href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html">universal back dooredit inWindows</a> 7 and 8.</p> </li> <li><p>Windows 10 “upgrades” <a href="http://www.ghacks.net/2015/11/24/beware-latest-windows-10-update-may-remove-programs-automatically/"> delete applications</a> without asking permission.</p> </li> <li><p>Googleproprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201511244"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-11</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Google has long had <ahref="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/nov/24/google-can-unlock-android-devices-remotely-if-phone-unencrypted">ahref="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/nov/24/google-can-unlock-android-devices-remotely-if-phone-unencrypted">a back door to remotely unlock an Android device</a>, unless its disk is encrypted (possible since Android 5.0 Lollipop, but still not quite thedefault).</p></li> <li><p> Users reportdefault).</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201511240"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-11</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Windows 10 “upgrades” <ahref="http://www.networkworld.com/article/2993490/windows/windows-10-upgrades-reportedly-appearing-as-mandatory-for-some-users.html#tk.rss_all"> Microsoft is forcing them to replace Windows 7 and 8 with all-spying Windows 10</a>.</p> <p> This seems to involve usehref="http://www.ghacks.net/2015/11/24/beware-latest-windows-10-update-may-remove-programs-automatically/"> delete applications</a> without asking permission.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201510020"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-10</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Apple forced millions of iThings to <a href="https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7256669?tstart=0">download aback doorsystem upgrade without asking the users</a>. Apple did not forcibly install the upgrade but the downloading alone caused lots of trouble.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit inWindows 7 and 8. </p></li> <li><p> <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/article/2984889/windows-pcs/lenovo-collects-usage-data-on-thinkpad-thinkcentre-and-thinkstation-pcs.html">proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201509220"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-09</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p><a href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/2984889/lenovo-collects-usage-data-on-thinkpad-thinkcentre-and-thinkstation-pcs.html"> Lenovo stealthily installed crapware and spyware via BIOS</a> on Windows installs. Note that the specific sabotage method Lenovo used did not affect GNU/Linux; also, a “clean” Windows install is not really clean since <a href="/proprietary/malware-microsoft.html">Microsoft puts in its ownmalware</a>. </p></li> <li><p>Viziomalware</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201504300"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-04</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Vizio <ahref="http://boingboing.net/2015/04/30/telescreen-watch-vizio-adds-s.html">href="https://boingboing.net/2015/04/30/telescreen-watch-vizio-adds-s.html"> used a firmware “upgrade” to make its TVs snoop on what users watch</a>. The TVs did not do that when firstsold. </p></li> <li><p>Amazon <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150321/13350230396/while-bricking-jailbroken-fire-tvs-last-year-amazon-did-same-to-kindle-devices.shtml"> downgraded the software in users' Swindles</a> so that those already rooted would cease to function at all.</p></li> <li><p>Apple <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/04/apple-deleted-music-ipods-rivals-steve-jobs">deleted from iPods the music that users had gotsold.</p> </li> <!-- Copied frominternet music stores that competed with iTunes</a>. </p></li> <li><p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130622044225/http://blogs.computerworlduk.com/open-enterprise/2013/06/how-can-any-company-ever-trust-microsoft-again/index.htm">Microsoft informs the NSA of bugsworkshop/mal.rec. Do not edit inWindows before fixing them.</a> </p></li> <li><p> <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/10/nintendo-updates-take-wii-u-hostage-until-you-agree-new-legal-terms">Nintendo remotely sabotaged all Wiis, making them refuse to work unless the user agrees to a new EULA.</a> </p> <p>We can be quite sure this EULA is is unjust because injustice is the only motive for imposingproprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201504090"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-04</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Mac OS X had anEULA. </p></li> <li><p> FTDI's proprietary driver<a href="https://truesecdev.wordpress.com/2015/04/09/hidden-backdoor-api-to-root-privileges-in-apple-os-x/"> intentional local back door forits USB-to-serial chips has been designed4 years</a>, which could be exploited by attackers to<a href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/10/windows-update-drivers-bricking-usb-serial-chips-beloved-of-hardware-hackers/">sabotage alternative compatible chips</a> so that they no longer work. Microsoft is <a href="http://it.slashdot.org/story/16/01/31/1720259/ftdi-driver-breaks-hardware-again">installing this automatically</a> as an “upgrade”. </p></li> <li><p> <a href="http://www.computerworlduk.com/blogs/open-enterprise/windows-xp-end-of-an-era-end-of-an-error-3569489/">Microsoftgain root privileges.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201503260"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-03</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191205010621/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3423768/windows-xp--end-of-an-era--end-of-an-error.html">Microsoft cut off security fixes for Windows XP, except to some big users that payexorbitantly.</a></p>exorbitantly</a>.</p> <p>Microsoft is going to <ahref="http://www.computerworlduk.com/news/security/3605515/more-than-half-of-all-ie-users-face-patch-axe-in-10-months/">href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181030194725/https://www.computerworlduk.com/applications/more-than-half-of-all-ie-users-face-patch-axe-in-10-months-3605515/"> cut off support for some Internet Explorer versions</a> in the same way.</p> <p>A person or company has the right to cease to work on a particular program; the wrong here is Microsoft does this after having made the users dependent on Microsoft, because they are not free to ask anyone else to work on the program forthem. </p></li> <li><p>them.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201503210"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-03</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Amazon <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/2015/03/24/while-bricking-jailbroken-fire-tvs-last-year-amazon-did-same-to-kindle-devices/"> downgraded the software in users' Swindles</a> so that those already rooted would cease to function at all.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201412040"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2014-12</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Apple <ahref="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/05/nsa-gchq-encryption-codes-security">Thehref="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/04/apple-deleted-music-ipods-rivals-steve-jobs"> deleted from iPods the music that users had got from internet music stores that competed with iTunes</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201410130"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2014-10</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p><a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/10/nintendo-updates-take-wii-u-hostage-until-you-agree-new-legal-terms">Nintendo remotely sabotaged the Wii U, making it refuse to work unless the user agrees to a new EULA</a>.</p> <p>We can be quite sure this EULA is unjust because injustice is the only motive for imposing an EULA.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201405200.1"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2014-05</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>LG <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/2014/05/20/lg-will-take-smart-out-your-smart-tv-if-you-dont-agree-to-share-your-viewing-search-data-with-third-parties/"> disabled network features</a> on <em>previously purchased</em> “smart” TVs, unless the purchasers agreed to let LG begin to snoop on them and distribute their personal data.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201401190"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2014-01</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Some proprietary <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jan/19/apple-talking-cats-in-app-purchases"> games lure children to spend their parents' money</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201309054"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2013-09</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/05/nsa-gchq-encryption-codes-security">The NSA has put back doors into nonfree encryptionsoftware.</a>software</a>. We don't know which ones they are, but we can be sure they include some widely used systems. This reinforces the point that you can never trust the security of nonfreesoftware. </p></li> <li><p> <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/article/2541250/apple-mac/update--apple-plays-hardball--upgrade--bricks--unlocked-iphones.html">An Apple firmware “upgrade” bricked iPhones that had been unlocked.</a> The “upgrade” also deactivated applicationssoftware.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do notapproved by <a href="/proprietary/proprietary-jails.html">Apple censorship</a>. All this was apparently intentional. </p></li> <li><p> Some proprietary <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jan/19/apple-talking-cats-in-app-purchases">games lure children to spend their parents' money</a>. </p></li> <li><p> Adobeedit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201306220"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2013-06</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130622044225/http://blogs.computerworlduk.com/open-enterprise/2013/06/how-can-any-company-ever-trust-microsoft-again/index.htm">Microsoft informs the NSA of bugs in Windows before fixing them</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201305060"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2013-05</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Adobe applications have time bombs: they <ahref="http://techcrunch.com/2013/05/06/adobe-goes-all-in-with-subscription-based-creative-cloud-will-stop-selling-regular-cs-licenses-shrink-wrapped-boxes/">stophref="https://techcrunch.com/2013/05/06/adobe-goes-all-in-with-subscription-based-creative-cloud-will-stop-selling-regular-cs-licenses-shrink-wrapped-boxes/"> stop working after a certain time</a>, after which the user must pay to extend the time.</p> <p>Once there was a problem with the servers that these programs use to check who has paid, and <ahref="http://www.macuser.co.uk/9015-adobe-creative-cloud-outage-leaves-adobe-users-locked-out">thehref="https://web.archive.org/web/20150120010845/http://www.macuser.co.uk/9015-adobe-creative-cloud-outage-leaves-adobe-users-locked-out"> the applications refused to work foranyone</a>. </p></li> <li><p> Sony <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/03/sony-steals-feature-from-your-playstation-3">sabotaged the Playstation 3</a> with a firmware downgrade that removed the feature that allowed users to run GNU/Linux on it.</p> <p>Sony subsequently sent police after Geohot, after he cracked the code that blocked usersanyone</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied fromchanging the firmware, and we responded by calling for a <a href="http://boycottsony.org">boycott of Sony </a>. </p> <p>In a court settlement Sony is <a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/06/if-you-used-to-run-linux-on-your-ps3-you-could-get-55-from-sony/"> now paying for the sabotage</a>.</p></li> <li><p> LG <a href="http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140511/17430627199/lg-will-take-smart-out-your-smart-tv-if-you-dont-agree-to-share-your-viewing-search-data-with-third-parties.shtml">disabled network features</a> on <em>previously purchased</em> “smart” TVs, unless the purchasers agreed to let LG begin to snoop on them and distribute their personal data. </p></li> <li><p>Oracle'sworkshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201301280"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2013-01</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Oracle's nonfree Java plug-in for browsers <ahref="http://www.zdnet.com/article/a-close-look-at-how-oracle-installs-deceptive-software-with-java-updates/">sneakilyhref="https://www.zdnet.com/article/a-close-look-at-how-oracle-installs-deceptive-software-with-java-updates/">sneakily installs other annoying proprietary software</a>.</p> <p>That article disregards all other bad things about proprietary software. For instance, it regards the inclusion of proprietary Flash Player (which has a <ahref="http://www.imasuper.com/66/technology/flash-cookies-the-silent-privacy-killer/">surveillancehref="https://web.archive.org/web/20200808151607/http://www.imasuper.com/2008/10/09/flash-cookies-the-silent-privacy-killer/">surveillance feature</a> and DRM) in Chrome as a good thing. Chrome is a proprietary browser with a universal back door.</p> <p>We don't agree with the article's views on those issues, but we present it as a factual reference.</p> <p>In 2014, <ahref="http://www.computerworld.com/article/2494794/malware-vulnerabilities/oracle-will-continue-to-bundle--crapware--with-java.html">Oraclehref="https://www.computerworld.com/article/2715615/oracle-will-continue-to-bundle--crapware--with-java.html"> Oracle insisted on continuing thispractice.</a></p>practice</a>.</p> </li></ul> </div><!-- for id="content", starts<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M201003300"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2010-03</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p>Sony <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/03/sony-steals-feature-from-your-playstation-3">sabotaged theinclude abovePlaystation 3</a> with a firmware downgrade that removed the feature that allowed users to run GNU/Linux on it.</p> <p>Sony subsequently sent police after Geohot, after he cracked the code that blocked users from changing the firmware, and we responded by calling for a <a href="http://boycottsony.org">boycott of Sony</a>.</p> <p>In a court settlement Sony is <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/06/if-you-used-to-run-linux-on-your-ps3-you-could-get-55-from-sony/"> now paying for the sabotage</a>.</p> </li> <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-sabotage.html. --> <li id="M200709270"> <!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2007-09</small>' --><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230315024447/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2541250/update--apple-plays-hardball--upgrade--bricks--unlocked-iphones.html"> An Apple firmware “upgrade” bricked iPhones that had been unlocked</a>. The “upgrade” also deactivated applications not approved by <a href="/proprietary/proprietary-jails.html">Apple censorship</a>. All this was apparently intentional.</p> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <!--#include virtual="/proprietary/proprietary-menu.html" --> <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" --> <divid="footer">id="footer" role="contentinfo"> <div class="unprintable"> <p>Please send general FSF & GNU inquiries to <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><gnu@gnu.org></a>. There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a> the FSF. Broken links and other corrections or suggestions can be sent to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><webmasters@gnu.org></a>.</p> <p><!-- TRANSLATORS: Ignore the original text in this paragraph, replace it with the translation of these two: We work hard and do our best to provide accurate, good quality translations. However, we are not exempt from imperfection. Please send your comments and general suggestions in this regard to <a href="mailto:web-translators@gnu.org"> <web-translators@gnu.org></a>.</p> <p>For information on coordinating andsubmittingcontributing translations of our web pages, see <a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations README</a>. --> Please see the <a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations README</a> for information on coordinating andsubmittingcontributing translations of this article.</p> </div> <!-- Regarding copyright, in general, standalone pages (as opposed to files generated as part of manuals) on the GNU web server should be under CC BY-ND 4.0. Please do NOT change or remove this without talking with the webmasters or licensing team first. Please make sure the copyright date is consistent with the document. For web pages, it is ok to list just the latest year the document was modified, or published. If you wish to list earlier years, that is ok too. 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