Proprietary Subscriptions


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.


It sounds simple to say that a certain program “requires a subscription.” What that means concretely is that it contains a time bomb, so that it will refuse to operate after that date. Or else it is tethered to a server, and that server checks the date. Either one is a malicious functionality.

Examples of software subscriptions that harmed users directly are given below.

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.