Proprietary Interference


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.


One kind of malicious functionality mediates developer's interference into the use of the software. This page describes how various proprietary programs harass or annoy the user, or cause trouble for the user. These actions are like sabotage, but the word “sabotage” is too strong for them.

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.