Topic: consumer advocacy
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This Group Pays Bounties to Fix Devices, Even Illegally
Fulu, a nonprofit founded by right-to-repair advocates, runs a bounty program that pays individuals to bypass manufacturer-imposed restrictions like anti-repair locks or discontinued software support. The initiative aims to demonstrate the prevalence of these "unethical limitations" to policymake...
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Microsoft's Free Windows 10 Security Updates Now Mandatory in Europe
Microsoft will now provide free Extended Security Updates to European Economic Area consumers, removing the previous requirement to enable Windows Backup. This policy change resulted from pressure by consumer advocacy groups and is geographically limited to the EEA. The free security updates are ...
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Instacart Ends AI Pricing Tests That Raised Prices
Instacart has ended its AI-driven variable pricing tests, ensuring all shoppers now see identical prices for the same items at the same store location, a direct response to customer and regulatory scrutiny. The decision follows an FTC inquiry into the practice, which was revealed by consumer grou...
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Samsung's Preloaded Israeli App Sparks Controversy
Samsung preloads its Galaxy phones in India and other regions with AppCloud, an installer that promotes third-party apps during setup and leaves a persistent notification until addressed. Concerns have escalated as AppCloud is linked to ironSource, a company with a controversial history of non-co...
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Get Anything Repaired Instantly With This App
The Repair App, a new platform launched on International Repair Day, connects users with vetted local repair professionals for electronics and household items, currently available in the U.S. and France. The app supports the right to repair movement by helping consumers find independent shops, co...
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Your Right to Repair: The Battle Heats Up
The right-to-repair movement has achieved significant legislative progress, with three U.S. states passing laws this year, reflecting a shift toward consumer autonomy and product longevity. Advocates argue that restricting repair creates a costly, non-competitive service market and contributes to...
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Can Your Vibrator Be Hacked?
App-connected smart devices, including intimate items like sex toys, collect sensitive usage data and location information through their companion apps, raising significant privacy concerns. Manufacturers may sell this collected customer data to third-party brokers, who can combine it with other ...
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Ted Cruz Bill Grants AI Firms 10-Year Self-Regulation Window
Senator Ted Cruz has proposed the SANDBOX Act, which would allow AI companies to operate with reduced federal oversight for up to ten years by granting them waivers from certain regulations. The bill includes provisions for automatic approval if agencies do not respond to waiver requests within 9...
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Testing T-Mobile's 15-Minute Switch Promise
The author switched to T-Mobile to escape frustrating data deprioritization on a budget plan, finding the advertised 15-minute phone number porting process smooth and stress-free with helpful customer service. They chose a premium $85 monthly plan offering prioritized data, extensive perks like i...
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