|
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
German gamers looked a bit closer to Origin.exe and used the tool Process Monitor to analize it's behavior...
They found out Origin is checking files that have NOTHING to do with their games. Like phonebills and files from other programs.
Screenshots here: http://s1.directupload.net/file/d/2691/fglehhsj_jpg.htm
And here: http://s7.directupload.net/file/d/2691/enxmldba_jpg.htm
They also say the EULA is against the German law, if so it's prolly against most EU laws...
If you can read German you can find the article here:
http://www.gamestar.de/spiele/battlefield-3/artikel/analyse_zur_eula_von_ea_origin,45612,2561554.html
EDIT: Some more info
EA's Origin EULA Hides Data Mining Clause
As reported by Rock, Paper, Shotgun, some astute Escapist forum users have noticed an interesting clause in EA's Origin End-User License agreement that basically give the company carte blanche to collect and use data from your PC. From section 2 of the EULA:
2. 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.
Read more: http://gamepolitics.com/2011/08/24/ea039s-origin-eula-hides-data-mining-clause
And another website....
EA backtracks (slightly) over disturbing data-mining Origin user agreement
So they can collect pretty much anything, but won't identify you. Er... thanks?
We’ve been grudgingly getting used to the idea of being forced to play EA’s PC games through its Origin download service, but things just took a turn for the invasive. Like 'constantly-watching-from-just-outside-the-window' invasive. A frankly terrifyingly worded End User License Agreement for Origin states that, in theory, EA can swim through all of your hard drive contents, like a data mining mermaid. Although not quite in those words.
After outcry on internet forums, EA swiftly amended the EULA on its website slightly to assure customers that all the information gathered will be "non-personally identifiable”. However, when we tried to run a fresh install of the service on our laptop, we got the old EULA in the program, which left us very confused.
Even with the possibly amended contract, a close look at the information the company can legally gather would still include IP addresses, which could theoretically identify users. Either way, look at the kind of data it can still legally collect from your computer if you agree to install a game:
The new EULA reads: "The non-personally identifiable information that EA collects includes technical and related information that identifies your computer (including the Internet Protocol Address) and operating system, as well as information about your Application usage (including but not limited to successful installation and/or removal), software, software usage and peripheral hardware."
So that's the games you play, the applications you use… even what kind of keyboard and mouse you use. Furthermore, they will still have the ability to provide all this information to marketing partners, without providing a conventional opt-out option. If you don’t like it, EA politely request that you don’t install its software. Because privacy rights are nothing compared to a tailored advert.
Above: Either you agree to have your privacy invaded, or you can't play Origin games
In comparison to Steam's EULA, which can gather data on any product related to Steam, EA's is worded in a way that still suggests that it can collect data from anything it deems "related" to its service. While it may be unlikely EA has an abnormal interest in anything not related to its games, the fact remains that if you agree and install the service, you’ll have no leg to stand on if EA decide to see what treasures lie on your hard drive.
This leads to a remarkably troubling question - which should never be asked - for PC gamers. Do you assume that EA is going to play above board and have just worded this poorly (despite its formidable team of lawyers scrutinising every last character to ensure it's watertight) or do you miss out on games like Mass Effect 3, Battlefield 3 and any other EA exclusive in the upcoming future?
EA’s PR rehabilitation had practically seemed complete in the past few years, but if this is a sign of things to come from the publishing behemoth, they could undo all that good work rather quickly.
Source: http://www.gamesradar.com/ea-backtracks-slightly-over-disturbing-data-mining-origin-eula/
[ Last modified by Zultra Orbitant 2011-11-02 08:21 (Full Log)]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Social shizzle: Raptr | Twitter | TwitchTV
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
http://www.pcgames.de/Battlefield-3-PC-221396/News/Battlefield-3-Origin-Update-EA-teilt-mit-Origin-ist-keine-Spyware-Wir-bedauern-die-Verunsicherung-unserer-Kunden-852067/
thats what EA replied (in german)
pretty much says: "program working as intended and not a spyware blablabla fuck off" |
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
Arrogant fucks...
If Origin.exe is seriously checking / accessing all files on your PC...
Some organisation will probably sue them sooner or later.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Social shizzle: Raptr | Twitter | TwitchTV
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
|
Arrogant fucks...
If Origin.exe is seriously checking / accessing all files on your PC...
Some organisation will probably sue them sooner or later. |
Why am I not surprised of this from Electronic Arse?
___________________________Xanoth___________________________
Steam: Xanoth facebook: Xanoth |
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
I'm gonna check for myself what files it will access, getting all paranoid tbh (didn't know I could be even more paranoid than I already am lol)
EDIT:
Just checked and couldn't find anything. It does access a LOT but it's all related to EA / Origin / BF3.
[ Modified by Zultra Orbitant 2011-10-31 22:07 ]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Social shizzle: Raptr | Twitter | TwitchTV
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
already set up a new account on my windows, which can only access bf3, origin, ts3 and drivers to play stuff |
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
i was considering downloading origin and BF3 but the price (at least at the moment, might change when i get more money) put me off, but if Origin is acting like spyware then i'll stay clear of it completely. |
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
|
i was considering downloading origin and BF3 but the price (at least at the moment, might change when i get more money) put me off, but if Origin is acting like spyware then i'll stay clear of it completely. |
Tbh, worth it just for BF3. totally addicted to the game already! i can live with Origin as a result
If the price on Origin (which i agree is too high) is putting you off then grab a retail copy like i did. Can save a fair bit, as for example preorder cost me £27 on Amazon (price has changed since launch though ), compared to the £39.99 they wanted on Origin. You still put the key in on Origin anyway, so nothing changes there.
did a quick google, seems you can still grab the limited edition from Play for £32.99 here (sadly Amazon seem to have inflated the LE price to the same as origin now, with the standard edition for £29.71, which will not include the first map pack for free when its released).
Alternatively you could go digital, Green Man Gaming has it up for £33.97 here although again this is not limited edition so you will have to pay for return to Karkland in december when it comes out if you wanted that too.
[ Last modified by Lardy 2011-11-01 03:27 (Full Log)]
--------------------------------------------------
Wildstar - Slacka - Warrior --- GW2 - Slacka 80 Engineer
Steam - Slacka --- PS3/PS4 - Lardy --- Xbox & Windows Live Gamertag - Lardycoz --- Origin - Slacka
www.slacka.co.uk --- Streams - Twitch / Hitbox --- Twitter - SlackaKaos |
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
the play deal looks decent especially as its the limited edition, might consider that |
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
http://www.sendit.com/games/platforms/pc/battlefield-3-limited-edition/10353529.html?affil=BUYAT&awc=2548_1320181134_d39a7d0e14a83a3b94c5a88a347ac05b&affil=awin
Limited Ed, £27.89.
|
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
can anyone beat this |
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
|
can anyone beat this |
Doubt it, only one i spotted was that Amazon drpped the price to £32.99 here, but keep in mind EA said they will not be producing further copies of the Limited Edition now we passed the launch date (which is why if you go digital only standard is available as EA is not supplying any more keys for the LE).
So basically, if you want the Limited edition you will need to get it before they run out, as its now into "while stocks last" at the physical online retailers
--------------------------------------------------
Wildstar - Slacka - Warrior --- GW2 - Slacka 80 Engineer
Steam - Slacka --- PS3/PS4 - Lardy --- Xbox & Windows Live Gamertag - Lardycoz --- Origin - Slacka
www.slacka.co.uk --- Streams - Twitch / Hitbox --- Twitter - SlackaKaos |
Subject: Origin acts like spyware |
|
|
|
can anyone beat this |
Doubt it, only one i spotted was that Amazon drpped the price to £32.99 here, but keep in mind EA said they will not be producing further copies of the Limited Edition now we passed the launch date (which is why if you go digital only standard is available as EA is not supplying any more keys for the LE).
So basically, if you want the Limited edition you will need to get it before they run out, as its now into "while stocks last" at the physical online retailers |
already bought it, figured for the LE edition £28 is as good as im going to get (just under) |
de|mboard system |
|
Page Generationtime: 0.13s | © Xanadu
|
|