Roku Locks Devices Until Users Agree to New Terms of Service
Scharon Harding, reporting for Ars Technica:
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. […]
Roku has further aggravated customers who have found that
disagreeing to its updated terms is harder than necessary. Roku is
willing to accept agreement to its terms with a single button
press, but to opt out, users must jump through hoops that include
finding that old book of stamps.
To opt out of Roku’s ToS update, which primarily changes the
“Dispute Resolution Terms,” users must send a letter to
Roku’s general counsel in California mentioning: “the name of each
person opting out and contact information for each such person,
the specific product models, software, or services used that are
at issue, the email address that you used to set up your Roku
account (if you have one), and, if applicable, a copy of your
purchase receipt.” Roku required all this to opt out of its terms
previously, as well.
Requiring a written letter (and a copy of the purchase receipt — how many people keep that for what may well be a years-old purchase?) is just a huge “fuck you” to their customers.
★
Scharon Harding, reporting for Ars Technica:
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. […]
Roku has further aggravated customers who have found that
disagreeing to its updated terms is harder than necessary. Roku is
willing to accept agreement to its terms with a single button
press, but to opt out, users must jump through hoops that include
finding that old book of stamps.
To opt out of Roku’s ToS update, which primarily changes the
“Dispute Resolution Terms,” users must send a letter to
Roku’s general counsel in California mentioning: “the name of each
person opting out and contact information for each such person,
the specific product models, software, or services used that are
at issue, the email address that you used to set up your Roku
account (if you have one), and, if applicable, a copy of your
purchase receipt.” Roku required all this to opt out of its terms
previously, as well.
Requiring a written letter (and a copy of the purchase receipt — how many people keep that for what may well be a years-old purchase?) is just a huge “fuck you” to their customers.