Proprietary Manipulation


Nonfree (proprietary) software is very often malware (designed to mistreat the user). Nonfree software is controlled by its developers, which puts them in a position of power over the users; that is the basic injustice. The developers and manufacturers often exercise that power to the detriment of the users they ought to serve.

This typically takes the form of malicious functionalities.


Manipulation of users is one of these malicious functionalities. Here are examples of programs that are designed to do this by taking advantage of human psychology.

We have a special page for Addictive programs, which also take advantage of human psychology, but in a much more elaborate and dangerous way.

If you know of an example that ought to be in this page but isn't here, please write to <webmasters@gnu.org> to inform us. Please include the URL of a trustworthy reference or two to serve as specific substantiation.