Part 7/10:
Beyond hardware, hostile software practices further restrict consumer agency. Many tech giants have transitioned their business models to focus on licensing and subscription fees instead of outright ownership. Companies are frequently accused of implementing software updates that remove useful features or require users to pay ongoing fees. An illustrative case is when BMW attempted to charge drivers a subscription fee for heated seats, a move that was widely criticized but reflected broader corporate strategies aimed at maximizing profits.
Adobe, too, is currently facing scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission over allegedly unfair cancellation fees and terms that can lead to users feeling trapped within their services.