/proprietary/proprietary-interference.html-diff
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<title>Proprietary Interference - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation</title>
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<h2>Proprietary Interference</h2>
<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>This typically takes the form of malicious functionalities.</p>
<hr class="full-width" />
</div>
<div class="article">
<p>One kind of malicious functionality mediates developer's interference
into the use of the software. This page describes how various proprietary
programs harass or annoy the user, or cause trouble for the user. These
actions are like <a
href="/proprietary/proprietary-sabotage#about-page">sabotage</a>, but the
word “sabotage” is too strong for them.
</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 (削除) two (削除ここまで) (追記) two,
preferably in English, (追記ここまで) to serve as specific substantiation.</p>
</div>
<div class="column-limit" id="proprietary-interference"></div>
<ul class="blurbs">
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li (削除) id="M202110160"> (削除ここまで) (追記) id="M202511180"> (追記ここまで)
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small (削除) class="date-tag">2021-10</small>' (削除ここまで) (追記) class="date-tag">2025-11</small>' (追記ここまで)
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
(削除) <p>Canon's all-in-one printer, scanner, and fax machine (削除ここまで)
(追記) <p>Microsoft is (追記ここまで) <a
(削除) href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/legal/canon-sued-for-disabling-scanner-when-printers-run-out-of-ink/">will
stop (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/11/18/windows-11-to-add-an-ai-agent-that-runs-in-background-with-access-to-personal-folders-warns-of-security-risk/">pushing
<em>Pretend Intelligence</em></a> onto users of Windows, set up to
be able to take real world actions on the user's behalf. This starts
with a subset of enthusiasts but the company is probably planning to
push it onto everyone.</p>
<p>Since Windows 11, like several previous versions, has a universal
back door enabling Microsoft to remotely change the system code,
any limits the user specifies for what Microsoft can do to per (the
user) are no more than requests. If (追記ここまで) you (追記) don't want to be messed with,
you should not run Windows. Nonetheless, Microsoft might heed those
requests.</p>
<p><small>Warning: this article seems to ridicule the idea that users
might use a feature to limit what the PI has access to on their own
machines.</small></p>
</li>
<!-- Copied (追記ここまで) from (削除) using any (削除ここまで) (追記) workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202510230">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2025-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Shake Shack requires users (追記ここまで) of its (削除) features (削除ここまで) (追記) mobile app to <a
href="https://www.levernews.com/shakeshackled/"> sign away their</a>
right to sue the company (追記ここまで) if (削除) it's out of ink</a>! (削除ここまで) (追記) they order their meals from their
phones.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202502230">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2025-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://proton.me/blog/outlook-is-microsofts-new-data-collection-service">
Outlook has become a “data collection and ad delivery
service”</a>. (追記ここまで) Since
(削除) there's no need for ink (削除ここまで) (追記) Outlook is now integrated with
Microsoft “cloud” services, and doesn't support
end-to-end encryption, the company has full access (追記ここまで) to (削除) use scan or fax, Canon (削除ここまで) (追記) users'
emails, contacts, and calendar events. Microsoft may also <a
href="https://www.cyberkendra.com/2023/11/new-outlook-update-raises-privacy.html">
retrieve credentials associated with any third-party services</a>
that are synchronized with Outlook. This trove of personal data
enables Microsoft, as well as its commercial partners, to flood
users with targeted ads, and possibly to train “artificial
intelligences.” Even worse, this data (追記ここまで) is (削除) sued (削除ここまで) (追記) available to any
government that can force Microsoft to hand it over.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202501290">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2025-01</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Google is <a
href="https://slate.com/technology/2025/01/google-gemini-ai-workspace-default-opt-in.html">
forcing its bullshit generator, Gemini, on many users of Gmail</a>
without asking them, and not even offering the users a way to
deactivate it.</p>
<p>Workplace IT managers, whose employees are forced to use Gmail,
can get it turned off after a laborious procedure, followed (追記ここまで) by
(追記) waiting—the darkest of dark patterns.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202407300">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>In (追記ここまで) its
(削除) customers (削除ここまで) (追記) default configuration, Windows 11 now <a
href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-now-turns-on-onedrive-folder-backup-without-your-permission/">
uploads users' files and personal information to Microsoft's
“cloud”</a> without asking permission to do so. This is
presented as a convenient backup method, but if the allotted storage
capacity is exceeded, the user will need to buy more space, increasing
Microsoft's profit.</p>
<p>However, this small profit is probably not the company's major
reason for making cloud storage the default. Here is an excerpt
from the <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/servicesagreement">
Microsoft Services agreement</a> (Section 2b):</p>
<blockquote><p><i>To the extent necessary to provide the Services to
you and others, to protect you and the Services, and to improve
Microsoft products and services, you grant to Microsoft a worldwide
and royalty-free intellectual property license to use Your Content, (追記ここまで)
for (追記) example, to make copies of, retain, transmit, reformat,
display, and distribute via communication tools Your Content on the
Services.</i></p></blockquote>
<p>We strongly suspect that the backed-up material is used to feed
Microsoft's greedy “AI.” In addition, it is most likely
analysed to better profile users in order to flood them with targeted
ads, thereby generating more profit.</p>
<p>Users, on the other hand, are at the mercy of any
entity that demands their data, let alone of any cracker
that breaks into Microsoft's servers. They <em>must</em>
escape from (追記ここまで) this (削除) malicious behavior. The proprietary software
installed (削除ここまで) (追記) sick environment, and install a sane <a
href="https://www.gnu.org/distros/free-distros.html"> free/libre
system</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202404260">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has started to <a
href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/who-wants-ads-in-their-windows-11-start-menu-heres-how-to-turn-them-off/">
show ads in the “Recommended” section of the
Windows 11 Start menu</a>. Previously, this section only included
recently used documents and images. Now it also contains the icons
of apps Microsoft wants to advertise, in the hope that the user will
click (追記ここまで) on (削除) Canon machines arbitrarily restricts (削除ここまで) (追記) one of them, and buy the app. So far, the user can disable
the ads, but this doesn't make them more legitimate.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202404080">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has, repeatedly,
pushed software changes meant to make it <a
href="https://www.techzine.eu/news/applications/118510/new-windows-driver-blocks-software-that-changes-default-web-browser/">
harder for (追記ここまで) users (追記) to use a web browser</a> different than Microsoft's.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied (追記ここまで) from (追記) workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202403150">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/15/24101887/microsoft-bing-popups-windows-11-google-chrome">
Microsoft is (追記ここまで) using (追記) malware tactics to get users to switch to (追記ここまで)
their (削除) device as (削除ここまで) (追記) web browser</a>, Microsoft Edge, and their search engine, Microsoft
Bing. When users launch the Google Chrome browser Microsoft injects
a pop up advertisement in the corner of the screen advising users to
switch to Bing. Microsoft also imported users Chrome browsing data
without their knowledge or consent.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202311101">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-11</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has been annoying people who wanted to
close the proprietary program OneDrive on their computers, <a
href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/8/23952878/microsoft-onedrive-windows-close-app-notification">
forcing them to give the reason why (追記ここまで) they (削除) wish.</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) were closing it</a>. This
prompt was removed after public pressure.</p>
<p>This is a reminder that angry users still have the power to make
developers of proprietary software remove small annoyances. Don't
count on public outcry to make them remove more profitable malware,
though. Run away from proprietary software!</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202311090">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-11</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20231011121908/https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-remove-ads-on-samsung/">Samsung's
Push Service proprietary app</a> sends notifications to the user's
phone about “updates” in Samsung apps, including the
Gaming Hub, but these updates only sometimes have to do with
a new version of the apps. Many times, the notifications from
Gaming Hub are simply ads for games that they think the user should
install based on the data collected from the user. Most importantly, <a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240305093416/https://getfastanswer.com/3486/how-to-remove-samsung-push-service-on-a-smartphone">it
cannot be permanently disabled.</a></p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.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-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202302140">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is <a
href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/feb/14/microsoft-to-phase-out-internet-explorer-with-new-edge-browser">
remotely disabling Internet Explorer, forcibly redirecting users to
Microsoft Edge</a>.</p>
<p>Imposing such change is malicious, and the fact that the redirection
is from one unjust program (IE) to another unjust program (Edge)
does not excuse it.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202211300">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2022-11</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20221202072935/https://www.techarp.com/mobile/apple-limit-airdrop-china/">
Obeying a demand by the Chinese government, Apple restricted the
use of AirDrop in China</a>. It imposed a ten-minute time limit
during which users can receive files from non contacts. This makes
it nearly impossible to use AirDrop for its intended purpose, which
is to exchange files with strangers between iMonsters in physical
proximity. This happened after it became known that dissenters
were using the app to distribute digital anti-government fliers
anonymously.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M202201050">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2022-01</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>The Norton 360 antivirus <a
href="https://www.howtogeek.com/777952/norton-360-antivirus-now-mines-cryptocurrency/">updated
its program to install a cryptocurrency miner on users' computers</a>
without people's permission. The miner is not turned on by default but
there is no way to completely uninstall the crypto mining software,
which has upset some users.</p> (追記ここまで)
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M202110070">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://slate.com/technology/2021/10/facebook-unfollow-everything-cease-desist.html">Facebook's
nonfree client forces its useds to look at the newsfeed</a>. A used
of Facebook developed a browser add-on to make it easier to unfollow
everyone and thus make the newsfeed empty. Many of the people used
by Facebook loved this, because they regard the newsfeed as a burden
that Facebook imposes on them.</p>
<p>If the client software for Facebook were free, useds could probably
make the newsfeed disappear by modifying the client not to display
it.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M202108180">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is making it harder and harder to <a
href="https://www.theverge.com/22630319/microsoft-windows-11-default-browser-changes">replace
default apps in its Windows</a> operating system and is pressuring
users to use its proprietary programs instead. We believe the
best approach to this would be replacing Windows with a free
(as in freedom) operating system like GNU. We also maintain a <a
href="/distros/free-distros.html">list of fully free distributions
of GNU</a>.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M202106190">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-06</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/06/even-creepier-covid-tracking-google-silently-pushed-app-to-users-phones/">Google
automatically installed an app on many proprietary Android phones</a>. The app
might or might not do malicious things but the power Google has over proprietary
Android phones is dangerous.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M202105300">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-05</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/30/gadgets-have-stopped-working-together-interoperability-apple">Apple
is systematically undermining interoperability</a>. At the hardware
level, it does this via nonstandard plugs, buses and networks. At
the software level, it does this by not letting the user have any
data except within one app.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M202105130">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-05</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://gizmodo.com/get-ready-for-in-car-ads-1846888390">Ford
is planning to force ads on drivers in cars</a>, with the ability for
the owner to pay extra to turn them off. The system probably imposes
surveillance on drivers too.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M202104060">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>The <a
href="https://www.wired.com/story/weddings-social-media-apps-photos-memories-miscarriage-problem/">WeddingWire
app saves people's wedding photos forever and hands over data
to others</a>, giving users no control over their personal
information/data. The app also sometimes shows old photos and
memories to users, without giving them any control over this
either.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M202102180">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is <a
href="https://uk.pcmag.com/operating-systems/131798/microsoft-starts-automatically-removing-flash-from-windows">forcibly
removing the Flash player from computers running Windows 10</a>, using
<a href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html#windows-update">a
universal backdoor in Windows</a>.</p>
<p>The fact that Flash has been <a
href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html#M202012020">disabled
by Adobe</a> is no excuse for this abuse of power. The nature of
proprietary software, such as Microsoft Windows, gives the developers
power to impose their decisions on users. Free software on the other
hand empowers users to make their own decisions.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M202010180">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is <a
href="https://www.slashgear.com/windows-10-users-are-grumpy-over-forced-updates-and-unwanted-apps-18643135/">forcing
Windows users</a> to <a
(削除) href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/manage-updates-in-windows-643e9ea7-3cf6-7da6-a25c-95d4f7f099fe">install (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://support.microsoft.com/windows/manage-updates-in-windows-643e9ea7-3cf6-7da6-a25c-95d4f7f099fe">install (追記ここまで)
upgrades it pushes</a> using <a
href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html#windows-update">its
universal back doors</a>. These upgrades can do various harms to
users such as restricting computers from some functions and/or forcing
users to defenselessly do whatever Microsoft tells them to do.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M202005250">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-05</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Tesla's cars have a <a
href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html#M201709090.1">
universal remote back door</a>. Tesla used it to <a
href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/6/21127243/tesla-model-s-autopilot-disabled-remotely-used-car-update">
disable the autopilot features</a> on people's cars to make them pay
extra for re-enabling the features.</p>
<p>This kind of malfeature is only possible with proprietary
software—free software is controlled by its users who wouldn't
let do such things to them.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M202004150">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Riot Games' new anti-cheat is malware; <a
href="https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/309320-riot-games-new-anti-cheat-system-runs-at-system-boot-uses-kernel-driver">runs
on system boot at kernel level</a> on Windows. It is insecure software
that increases the attack surface of the operating system.</p>
</li>
(削除) <li id="M201912170">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-12</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Some security breakers (wrongly referred (削除ここまで)
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit (追記ここまで) in (削除) this article as <a
href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Hacker">“hackers”</a>)
managed to interfere the Amazon Ring proprietary system, and <a
href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/dec/13/ring-hackers-reportedly-watching-talking-strangers-in-home-cameras">access
its camera, speakers and microphones</a>.</p>
</li> (削除ここまで) (追記) proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201908150">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Apple is putting DRM on iPhone
batteries, and the system proprietary software <a
href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/59nz3k/apple-is-locking-batteries-to-specific-iphones-a-nightmare-for-diy-repair">turns
off certain features when batteries are replaced other than by
Apple.</a></p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. -->
<li id="M201907220">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>In 2019, <a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20260303174311/https://chromestory.com/2019/07/disable-pull-to-refresh-on-chrome-for-android/">
Google revoked users' ability to turn
off the “pull-to-refresh”
gesture in Chrome for Android</a>. Despite <a
href="https://support.google.com/chrome/thread/8152831"> thousands
of protests by frustrated users</a>, Google has not reverted its
decision. Proprietary software developers are known for ignoring users'
requests in favor of their own gain and convenience. Only free software
gives users control over their own computing.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201901230">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-01</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Google is modifying Chromium so that <a
href="https://tech.slashdot.org/story/19/01/23/0048202/google-proposes-changes-to-chromium-browser-that-will-break-content-blocking-extensions-including-various-ad-blockers">
extensions won't be able to alter or block whatever the page
contains</a>. Users could conceivably reverse the change in a fork
of Chromium, but surely Chrome (nonfree) will have the same change,
and users can't fix it there.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201901110">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-01</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Samsung phones come preloaded with <a
(削除) href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-08/samsung-phone-users-get-a-shock-they-can-t-delete-facebook"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190224103757/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-08/samsung-phone-users-get-a-shock-they-can-t-delete-facebook"> (追記ここまで)
a version of the Facebook app that can't be deleted</a>. <a
href="https://www.infopackets.com/news/10484/truth-behind-undeletable-facebook-app">
Facebook claims this is a stub</a> which doesn't do anything, but we
have to take their word for it, and there is the permanent risk that
the app will be activated by an automatic update.</p>
<p>Preloading crapware along with a nonfree operating system is common
practice, but by making the crapware undeletable, Facebook and Samsung (<a
class="not-a-duplicate"
(削除) href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-08/samsung-phone-users-get-a-shock-they-can-t-delete-facebook">among (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190224103757/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-08/samsung-phone-users-get-a-shock-they-can-t-delete-facebook">among (追記ここまで) others</a>)
are going one step further in their hijacking of users' devices.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201809120">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-09</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>One version of Windows 10 <a
href="https://www.ghacks.net/2018/09/12/microsoft-intercepting-firefox-chrome-installation-on-windows-10/">
harangues users if they try to install Firefox (or Chrome)</a>.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201807310">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>A nonfree video game, available through the nonfree Steam client, <a
(削除) href="https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/274552-great-now-games-are-hijacking-systems-with-"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/274552-great-now-games-are-hijacking-systems-with-cryptocurrency-miners"> (追記ここまで)
included a “miner”</a>, i.e. an executable that hijacks
the CPU in users' computers to mine a cryptocurrency.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201805080">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-05</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>A cracker used an exploit in outdated software to <a
(削除) href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/360968/400-websites-secretly-served-cryptocurrency-miners-to-visito"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/400-websites-secretly-served-cryptocurrency-miners-to-visitors"> (追記ここまで)
inject a “miner” in web pages</a> served to visitors. This
type of malware hijacks the computer's processor to mine a
cryptocurrency.</p>
<p><small>(Note that the article refers to the infected software
as “content management system”. A better term would be
“<a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Content">website
revision system</a>”.)</small></p>
<p>Since the miner was a nonfree JavaScript program,
visitors wouldn't have been affected if they had used <a
href="/software/librejs/index.html">LibreJS</a>. Some
browser extensions that <a
href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/how-to-stop-sites-from-using-your-cpu-to-mine-coins/">
specifically block JavaScript miners</a> are also available.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201804180">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Pearson's proprietary educational software <a
href="https://gizmodo.com/pearson-embedded-a-social-psychological-experiment-in-s-1825367784">
did an experiment on real students</a>, treating students differently
to observe the results.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201803190">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is planning to make Windows <a
href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/19/windows-10-microsoft-force-people-edge-browser-windows-mail-chrome-firefox">
impose use of its browser, Edge, in certain circumstances</a>.</p>
<p>The reason Microsoft can force things on users is that Windows
is nonfree.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201712060">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-12</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Learn how <a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170319013045/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-farrell/the-fascinating-psycholog_b_6076502.html">
gratis-to-play-and-not-win-much games manipulate their useds
psychologically</a>.</p>
<p>These manipulative behaviors are malicious functionalities, and they
are possible because the game is proprietary. If it were free, people
could publish a non-manipulative version and play that instead.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201703170">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Windows displays <a
(削除) href="http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/17/14956540/microsoft-windows-10-ads-taskbar-file-explorer"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/17/14956540/microsoft-windows-10-ads-taskbar-file-explorer"> (追記ここまで)
intrusive ads for Microsoft products and its partners'
products</a>.</p>
<p>The article's author starts from the premise that Microsoft has
a right to control what Windows does to users, as long as it doesn't
go “too far”. We disagree.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201701110">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-01</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>An upgrade package for Acrobat Reader <a
href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/software/adobe-acrobat-reader-dc-update-installs-chrome-browser-extension/">silently
alters Chrome</a>.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201612140">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-12</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>The Microsoft Telemetry Compatibility service <a
(削除) href="https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/microsoft-telemetry-compatibility/cefa7c8e-49c9-4965-aef6-2d5f01bb38f2"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240606174511/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/microsoft-telemetry-compatibility/cefa7c8e-49c9-4965-aef6-2d5f01bb38f2"> (追記ここまで)
drastically reduces the performances of machines running
Windows 10</a>, and can't be disabled easily.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201608170">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p> After <a href="/proprietary/malware-microsoft.html#windows10-forcing">forcing the download of Windows 10</a>
on computers that were running Windows 7 and 8, Microsoft <a
href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/3012278/microsoft-sets-stage-for-massive-windows-10-upgrade-strategy.html">
repeatedly switched on a flag that urged users to
“upgrade” to Windows 10</a> when they had turned
it off, in the hope that some day they would fail to say no.
To do this, Microsoft used <a
(削除) href="https://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/03/17/microsoft_windows_10_upgrade_gwx_vs_humanity/"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.theregister.com/2016/03/17/microsoft_windows_10_upgrade_gwx_vs_humanity/"> (追記ここまで)
malware techniques</a>.</p>
<p>A detailed <a
href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/08/windows-10-microsoft-blatantly-disregards-user-choice-and-privacy-deep-dive">
analysis of Microsoft's scheme</a> is available on the Electronic
Frontier Foundation's website.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201603090">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has made companies'
Windows machines managed by the company's sysadmins <a
(削除) href="http://www.infoworld.com/article/3042397/microsoft-windows/admins-beware-domain-attached-pcs-are-sprouting-get-windows-10-ads.html">harangue (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/3042397/admins-beware-domain-attached-pcs-are-sprouting-get-windows-10-ads.html">harangue (追記ここまで)
users to complain to the sysadmins about not “upgrading”
to Windows 10</a>.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201602110">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>A pacemaker running proprietary code <a
href="https://www.wired.com/2016/02/i-want-to-know-what-code-is-running-inside-my-body/">was
misconfigured and could have killed the implanted person</a>. In order
to find out what was wrong and get it fixed, the person needed to break
into the remote device that sets parameters in the pacemaker (possibly
infringing upon manufacturer's rights under the DMCA). If this system
had run free software, it could have been fixed much sooner.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201601160">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-01</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has <a
(削除) href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/1/16/10780876/microsoft-windows-support-policy-new-processors-skylake">desupported (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/16/10780876/microsoft-windows-support-policy-new-processors-skylake">desupported (追記ここまで)
all future Intel CPUs for Windows 7 and 8</a>. Those
machines will be stuck with the nastier Windows 10. <a
(削除) href="http://gizmodo.com/only-the-latest-version-of-windows-will-run-on-some-fut-1753545825"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://gizmodo.com/only-the-latest-version-of-windows-will-run-on-some-fut-1753545825"> (追記ここまで)
AMD and Qualcomm CPUs, too</a>.</p>
<p>Of course, Windows 7 and 8 are unethical too, because they are
proprietary software. But this example of Microsoft's wielding its
power demonstrates the power it holds.</p>
<p>Free software developers also stop maintaining old versions of
their programs, but this is not unfair to users because the users of
free software have control over it. If it is important enough to you,
you and other users can hire someone to support the old version on
your future platforms.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201510220">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Adobe nonfree software may halt
all other work and freeze a computer <a
(削除) href="http://shallowsky.com/blog/gimp/non-free-software-surprises.html"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://shallowsky.com/blog/gimp/non-free-software-surprises.html"> (追記ここまで)
to perform a license check</a>, at a random time every 30 days.</p>
</li>
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in proprietary-interference.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li id="M201506260">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-06</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Oracle made a deal with Yahoo; Oracle's nonfree Java plug-in will <a
(削除) href="http://searchengineland.com/yahoo-signs-deal-with-oracle-to-attract-new-users-via-java-installs-224097"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://searchengineland.com/yahoo-signs-deal-with-oracle-to-attract-new-users-via-java-installs-224097"> (追記ここまで)
change the user's initial web page, and default search engine, to
Yahoo</a> unless the user intervenes to stop it.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
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There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a>
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<p>Copyright © (削除) 2015-2021 (削除ここまで) (追記) 2015-2026 (追記ここまで) Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p>
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