Roku customers are threatening to stop using, or to even dispose of, their low-priced TVs and streaming gadgets after the company appears to be locking devices for people who don’t conform to the recently updated terms of service (ToS).
This month, users on Roku’s support forums reported suddenly seeing a message when turning on their Roku TV or streaming device reading: “We’ve made an important update: We’ve updated our Dispute Resolution Terms. Select ‘Agree’ to agree to these updated Terms and to continue enjoying our products and services. Press * to view these updated Terms.” A large button reading “Agree” follows. The pop-up doesn’t offer a way to disagree, and users are unable to use their device unless they hit agree.
↫ Scharon Harding at Ars Technica
The best part of this story? And by best I mean worst? You have to send a letter – a paper one, with stamps and everything, like in the before times – to Roku’s lawyer in California containing the names of all the people opting out, the devices and services in question, and a damn purchase receipt. They’re one step away from wanting your passport and your firstborn child.
Coersive/compulsory “agreements” are often unenforceable. Realistically most consumers don’t have access to legal teams, but this is abusive so hopefully somebody manages to sue roku over it.
I’m sure this had absolutely *nothing* at all to do with the 15,000 plus accounts that suffered a recent data breach….
The timing…is not good.
https://www.claimdepot.com/data-breach/roku
Roku doesn’t understand how easily they are replaced. They may have pioneered the external streaming box market, but there are plenty of other options. I’m not going back to them for the foreseeable future. I do hope they get sued out of their pants. Changing the TOS after customers have already purchased devices and then preventing them from using them without agreeing is just plain wrong. Its only acceptable if the alternative to accepting the TOS is a full refund.