This month, a significant number of the 80 million Roku device owners experienced an unexpected block of text when they turned on their streaming devices. The message included updated terms of service that restricted customers’ ability to take legal action against the company. Users were essentially locked out of their devices and apps until they agreed to the new terms, with the only way to opt out being to mail a letter to Roku.
In response to this situation, Isaac Phillips, a software engineer in Tampa, Florida, found a way to disconnect his Roku TV from the internet and use it as a regular TV without Roku’s apps. He believed that customers should have full control over the devices they purchased and that being locked out was unacceptable.
Moreover, Roku faced another challenge this month with a security breach affecting 15,000 user accounts. Login credentials were illegally obtained from another company’s breach and used to access Roku accounts to purchase streaming subscriptions.
The incident sparked discussions about the control companies have over the devices we buy and the potential implications. Tech companies can deactivate devices, stop issuing software updates for older products, and make changes to terms of service that limit customers’ rights.
Consumers often do not truly own the tech products they purchase, as the software components remain controlled by the company. Changes to software interfaces and data collection practices can occur at any time, potentially rendering a device useless.
Roku’s terms of service, like those of many other companies, include mandatory arbitration clauses that prevent customers from escalating legal disputes. Opting out of these clauses requires sending a letter to the company within 30 days, a process that many find challenging.
It is essential for consumers to understand their rights and take steps to assert some level of control over the devices they own. Creating strong, unique passwords for each online account and being cautious about sharing personal information with tech companies can help protect against cyberattacks and data privacy breaches.
Ultimately, tech companies prioritize their own interests over consumer interests, and customers should be aware of this dynamic when using their products. Roku, despite its affordable streaming devices, has been criticized for its data collection practices and privacy policy, which may not align with consumer expectations.
