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.
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 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!
Also, check out OwnedCore's new Battlefield 3 section for other Battlefield 3 News!
Sources:
HUGE up to Toonsell for bringing this to my attention! Thanks.
http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/js51f/ea_origin_spyware_issue_silently_boycotting_will/ (Emails/Letter Info)
http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/jrk3o/eas_origin_is_creepy_and_watches_you_sleep/
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/foru...ches-you-sleep
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