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Malware in Proprietary Software - May 2025 Additions

Item posted by Rob Musial <robmusial> on Tue 03 Jun 2025 03:02:25 PM UTC.

The initial injustice of proprietary software often leads to further injustices: malicious functionalities.

The introduction of unjust techniques in nonfree software, such as back doors, DRM, tethering, and others, has become ever more frequent. Nowadays, it is standard practice.

We at the GNU Project show examples of malware that has been introduced in a wide variety of products and dis-services people use everyday, and of companies that make use of these techniques.

Here are our latest additions

May 2025

Malware in Appliances



As a general precaution, users should make sure their printer can't connect to the manufacturer's server, for example by shielding it from the internet by a firewall. This will not restore the ability of printers to use third-party toner if they have already lost it, but will prevent any future downgrades. All printer manufacturers are concerned, not only Brother.

Microsoft's Software is Malware


Enough is enough!

[*] Why “useds”? Because running Windows is not you using Windows; it is Windows using you.


Let's hope legislators and regulatory agencies all over the world will quickly put a stop to this sort of outrageous practice.

In any case people would be better off switching to a free-software replacement such as Jitsi Meet for medium-size groups, or Big Blue Button for larger ones. Many public instances are available, and groups of users can also set up their own servers.

Apple's Operating Systems Are Malware


Amazon's Software Is Malware


This wouldn't happen if software in the Echo were free. Users would be able to restore the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” option.

Malware in Mobile Devices


Malware in Games


In addition, Nintendo can record audio and video chats for moderation purposes. User's consent is required, but there is no guarantee that the recordings will not be sent to third parties. In short, there is no privacy in these chats.

If you ever consider buying a Switch, think twice, because you will not own it. Nintendo will.

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