Edgar Cervantes/Android Authority
long story short
- Many Roku users are locked out of their devices until they agree to the new dispute resolution terms.
- The new terms require users to go through a mandatory “meet and negotiate” process with Roku before taking legal action.
- Users have 30 days to opt out, but may only do so by mailing written notice.
Roku users across the country got a rude awakening this week when their TVs and streaming devices became unusable. The culprit? Roku is taking a firm “my way or the highway” stance by requiring users to agree to its updated dispute resolution terms — essentially holding their streaming devices hostage until they agree.
according to TechCrunch, the company earlier sent out a notification email outlining the changes to the terms and noting that continued use of Roku’s products or services will constitute agreement to the terms. However, users only discovered the new terms when the device was disabled, and now they’ve taken to the Roku community forums to voice their displeasure.
A closer examination of the updated terms revealed the addition of an “informal dispute resolution” process. The new clause states that any legal complaints against the company must first be submitted to Roku’s legal team through a “meeting and negotiation” call. Roku has since promised to provide “fair, fact-based solutions.”
The purpose behind this additional step appears to be to further insulate the company from direct legal action. Although this change was made last fall, it was only recently implemented that users are now being notified through this mandatory agreement process.
While users have the right to opt out of the new terms, the process is far from user-friendly. They only have 30 days from the effective date of the terms (either when they receive notice or 30 days after the silent implementation on February 20) to send written notice to Roku’s legal department. You can find details of the opt-out process in the image below.
Unlike many phones, apps and services that either allow continued use or limit your use of the current version (unless you agree), Roku offers no such grace period.
While Roku’s tactics may seem harsh, they highlight a larger problem — our collective indifference to the legalese buried in terms and conditions. This reminds us to be more aware of the agreements we enter into and take the time to understand the implications before giving up our rights (and sometimes even our television access). After all, who wants to be hijacked by their entertainment device?