Let’s be honest…
Roku has managed to upset their users with a recent update. A non-dismissible pop-up requiring users to agree to some “dispute resolution terms” essentially keeps you from using your device unless you agree to said terms, with no option to skip or be reminded later. And that pop-up basically turns your device, regardless of whether it’s a separate Roku device or integrated with a television, into a brick.
The issue started last week, with users complaining about the pop-up over on Roku’s official forums.
Aside from viewing the updated Terms, all functionality of the Roku was and remains disabled. Power cycling the device simply returns it to this unusable state.
…
I don’t mean this post to address the ongoing [enshittification] of Roku as evidenced by the addition of the permanently visible advertising in the bottom left of the interface, the half screen advertising to the right with the rationed ability to hide ads which have already been seen and will be re-displayed anyway since the choice to hide is simply ignored, the constant addition of advertising “features” to the interface menu which have to be hidden (if permission is given to do so), etc., but effectively disabling the device to coerce their customers to act against their own interests is…
AJCxZ0
This post also includes the portion of the agreement that gives the requirements to opt out of it. Requirements which are both specific and difficult to manage: Sending a snail mail letter to Roku’s San Jose offices with a valid purchase receipt, as well as a host of other information that the company should already have. In essence, it’s a massive exercise in pointless bureaucracy.
Such notice must include 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
These terms aren’t exactly new; they’ve been around since at least 2019. The new ones are, however, much longer and more stringent. Not to mention how they keep you from using the device you paid for in the first place. Much like those older terms, these new ones require users to settle disputes through arbitration rather than via lawsuit. They also require users to settle disputes through arbitration within 45 days of any such incident, and abandon any idea of using a class-action lawsuit against the company in favor of “mass arbitration”. Thye reasoning for all of this arbitration is that it is fundamentally private.
Welcome to the dystopia dumbass tech people wanted. It’s somehow sadder and crappier than any depressing 70’s sci-fi movie predicted.
Source: PC Mag
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