• Google Chrome phasing out ad-blocker support (Manifest V2) under the guise of “improving security,” forcing users to endure more ads.
• YouTube removing the “Dislike” count on videos, reducing transparency about content quality and user sentiment.
• Google Search prioritizing SEO-spam sites and paid ads over relevant organic results, making it harder to find genuine information.
• HP and Epson using DRM in printers to block third-party ink cartridges, forcing users to buy overpriced proprietary ink.
• Instagram deprioritizing photo posts in favor of Reels, flooding feeds with algorithmically pushed content instead of updates from followed accounts.
• LinkedIn enabling spammy “growth hacks” (e.g., vague AI-generated posts, connection request floods) that clutter users’ feeds and messages.
• Nintendo shutting down online servers for older consoles (e.g., Wii U, 3DS), rendering purchased games partially or fully unusable.
• Netflix aggressively cracking down on password sharing while raising subscription prices, forcing users to pay extra for previously permitted account sharing.
• Adobe eliminating one-time purchases for Creative Cloud software, locking users into costly subscriptions indefinitely.
• Apple throttling performance of older iPhones via iOS updates (initially without transparency), seen as coercing upgrades.
• Apple removing the headphone jack from iPhones, pushing users to buy expensive AirPods or dongles.