Adobe recently officially warned some owners of Creative Cloud software applications that they are no longer allowed to use older versions of software. This can be seen as a good example of how software development companies have been operating in the past few years. To optimize profits as well as pave the way for new products, companies will increasingly tighten the use of older software versions, even if you have to spend money to buy the software. before.
Earlier this week Adobe began sending some users of its software including Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Premiere, Animate and Media Director . a warning message to the content that they will no longer be legally authorized to use the old version of the above software. The original notice sent by Adobe via email is as follows:
'Recently, we have officially terminated the deployment of some older versions of several Creative Cloud applications. And based on the terms stated in our agreement, you will no longer be legally licensed to use these software. Please note that if you continue to use the version (s) that we have discontinued, you may be at risk of facing infringing claims by third parties. '
Of course, the recipients of the announcement also expressed disappointment, even bewildered by Adobe's decision.
The company did not clearly inform users why they were forced to stop using the software. However, according to observers, it is likely that this problem stems from an ongoing lawsuit between Adobe and another company. According to reports from AppleInsider, there was a copyright-related lawsuit against Adobe submitted by Dolby Labs last year.
In a controversial move, Adobe has shifted from a standard software model to a cloud-based subscription model in 2013. This helps to improve the company's revenue (and of course customers will be subject to higher prices).
Dolby's lawsuit stems from an allegation towards Adobe for copyright infringement regarding how to charge licensing fees that Adobe paid for Dolby under the new model.
Return to the original problem. In a statement to the Motherboard, Adobe confirmed the authenticity of the letter, but did not provide any additional details beyond what they had included in the notice.
This is a precedent that can cause bad consequences. It shows a 'paradox' that is happening in the technology world, which is that we can completely be deprived of use of products that we used to spend before. And of course if we continue to use it, publishers are of course no shortage of measures to make it difficult. It is possible that the game console suddenly lost some features after a mandatory firmware update, or the entertainment products you purchased suddenly disappeared without reason. This is really a big problem in the era of digitalization today.
Dylan Gilbert, a copyright expert with Public Knowledge consumer protection group, said in this case it would be difficult for users to rely on legal moves for a sudden change from Adobe.
'Unless Adobe has violated the terms of its license agreement because of abrupt support for the previous software version, if that is not the case, users are affected by the decision. This part of the absurdity would do nothing but give a bitter smile and accept the reality, 'Mr. Gilbert said.
In addition, he noted that we - consumers of digital products - currently live in a world where we can almost never actually own any digital product for on your own, even when paid flat. In this new unreasonable reality, we - the end users are forced to accept 'sweetie Sapindales' before end-user licensing agreements (EULAs), in which licensees (those who work Software owner may completely change the terms of service without prior notice.
'Even if Adobe is having trouble dealing with Dolby-related disputes, it still has the right to force customers to upgrade to more expensive newer software versions. This is a clear evidence for the strength and undue influence of EULAs on the lives of users. In fact, we must have full ownership and use of what we have bought, 'added Gilbert.
Consumer protection activist, author and copyright expert Cory Doctorow fully agree with Dylan Gilbert's opinion. Sharing with Motherboard, the expert said that the type of thinking like Adobe has, is and will increasingly permeate countless aspects of technology, including DRM-based media, software with muscle. service configuration and even server-client games.
Both expert Doctorow and Gilbert noted that these arbitrary changes can often cause special trouble for artists and creators who are making a living based on innovative software numbers like Photoshop. They often don't want to risk their projects by suddenly switching to new software versions that may contain countless unforeseen errors.
When the tools you have bought are only designed to treat you as a tenant, not as a true owner, then you and others are the ones who suffer. from the whims, intrigues and unforeseen risks of leases, which are here the main companies like Adobe. And ironically, your legal rights are determined through a 'contract' that you click through a million times each time you install and use the product, saying you agree with 'all the things'. Software '. Yes, agreeing to 'all terms' will mean you have no legal rights, all will be placed at the discretion of the service provider.
It is really a tragic reality. A humor that we can find in it is the way companies and digital product suppliers are trying to 'trap' their gods. More sadly, according to many copyright experts, this reality will hardly change soon. And until there is a positive change, even though the smallest one really appears, consumers are as low as my throat and you have only one choice, the only weak solution to protect yourself. Its advantage is not to buy any products from companies that have historically imposed disrespectful changes in users. After this incident, Adobe will be the first name to have 'honor' on my blacklist!
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