I got this from my dad:
Electronic Arts, or EA for short has taken the time to implement spyware in
their Origin software. A software that was released not too long ago and has
since then gained major popularity as it is required to play certain games.
One to be noted is Battlefield 3. They also required you to use this
software to be a part of the Battlefield 3 Alpha testing. Many of us aren't
aware of what this spyware is entitling to Electronic Arts. By installing
Origin on our computers, we are allowing EA to SELL our information to third
parties! That information can include: what you've installed on your
computer, peripheral hardware, software usage, operating system information,
and much more. This is definitely an invasion of privacy, and they know they
can get away with it solely because they know 90% of people don't read the
EULA. Here is a direct quote from their Origin Software EULA:
Consent to Collection and Use of Data.
You agree that EA may collect, use, store and transmit technical and related
information that identifies your computer (including the Internet Protocol
Address), operating system, Application usage (including but not limited to
successful installation and/or removal), software, software usage and
peripheral hardware, that may be gathered periodically to facilitate the
provision of software updates, dynamically served content, product support
and other services to you, including online services. EA may also use this
information combined with personal information for marketing purposes and to
improve our products and services. We may also share that data with our
third party service providers in a form that does not personally identify
you. IF YOU DO NOT WANT EA TO COLLECT, USE, STORE, TRANSMIT OR DISPLAY THE
DATA DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION, PLEASE DO NOT INSTALL OR USE THE APPLICATION
This and all other data provided to EA and/or collected by EA in connection
with your installation and use of this Application is collected, used,
stored and transmitted in accordance with EA’s Privacy Policy located at www
ea.com. To the extent that anything in this section conflicts with the terms
of EA’s Privacy Policy, the terms of the Privacy Policy shall control.
This kind of news should be huge! How many of you knew what you were getting
yourselves into it when you clicked that "install" button for Origin? They
know what they are doing, and are getting away with it daily, right under
our noses. This is the kind of topic that can't go unsaid, or they will
trample our rights just as much as they have with this scandal. Another
thing to add is, they knowingly do this assuming most the consumers won't
bother to read the fine print.
This is one step towards EA being a bigger gaming monstrosity. If they
require you to allow them snoop through your computer and watch all your
activity, then I won't have none of it. You should uninstall as soon as you
finish reading this article so that you can keep some of your rights intact.
The news of this event is rapidly growing and people have begun to write
physical letters as well as emails expressing their frustrations towards
Electronic Arts. There is no issue of right or wrong here, it is simply
wrong. There will be the people who tell you, "if you don't like it, don't
play it." That should never be the case, we shouldn't have to give up
individual freedoms to receive enjoyment from a game without any
consequences. You're basically paying EA for their games, and also opening
up the gateway to help them sell what you don't want them to know!
As we learn more and more about EA's Origin Software, the worse it seems to
get. They are making it harder and harder for us gamers to purchase their
games, because I don't know anyone who would jump on board and allow this
kind of behavior from such a well known company. We understand EA isn't the
only ones doing this, but they are a huge conglomerate who shouldn't go
unchecked for their evil deeds. At least with the competitors you can
opt-out of being spyed on, but EA is forcing you to be spyed on. If you don
t agree on what they're doing with their software, go a head and email them
your frustration or write them a letter of distraught. All of the options
will be given to you in my sources located at the bottom of the article.
With huge titles like Battlefield 3 coming up, and people consistently
playing Crysis 2 and many other games through Origin, and are unaware, do
you think this will make EA take a big hit? What is your whole take on the
situation? Do you agree you should have to sacrifice certain things to
receive a quality game? You can answer all this in the comments section
below, and we'd love to hear everyone's opinions on the matter. Thanks for
reading!
