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[HDgaming42]

it isn't.

For you.

If you don't "get" privacy and the desire to retain it--you won't. You simply won't. You're not wired to understand it. Or apparently desire it. If you think privacy is the act of hiding things that are wrong and/or illegal, then you most certainly belong in this category.

No one will be able to "explain" this to you because you can't process it. It won't mesh. There will be no conversion of mindsets in this thread.

If you don't value privacy, move along--there will be nothing here for you but a lot of angry people you can't hope to understand.

Arguing that privacy is antiquated because you have chosen to freely give it away is not going to win anyone over.

This is not directed at any one individual--there a lot of threads to read on NeoGAF. Just trying to save some of you some time and heartache.

 

[TouchMyBox]

Oh, like every service and software Google has?

Google has business knowing what I look at if I allow them to because that leads to better search results. EA has no business knowing about what sites I look at.

 

[Anton Sugar]

Nope. That's EULA. And like I said, that's the EULA they use for consoles. So you allow them to put spyware on your console by agreeing to the EULA.

But, of course, they don't have spyware in their games, so what makes everyone think that they will do it on their PC games? Not like Google and Facebook aren't already doing the same thing.

Reposting for new page:

Can someone explain to me how this is different from Google, Facebook, browser extensions, etc. having access to your browsing history? I am, literally, ignorant of the difference.

 

[Ponti]

Can someone explain to me how this is different from Google, Facebook, browser extensions, etc. having access to your browsing history? I am, literally, ignorant of the difference.

They require that information to function and better improve their service. Origin does not.

 

[HDgaming42]

Reposting for new page:

Can someone explain to me how this is different from Google, Facebook, browser extensions, etc. having access to your browsing history? I am, literally, ignorant of the difference.

I realize you are probably asking for the technical difference, but to me, no retail purchase I have made (BF3 pre-order) has ever REQUIRED me to use Google or Facebook--the later of which I don't use at all specifically because of their horrendous history RE: privacy.

 

[Emitan]

well, I probably did forget my password, but this person is definitely not me: http://steamcommunity.com/id/ErrorMacro

You can choose your own custom URL and username. No guarantee they have the same login username.

 

[elrechazado]

just like valve and blizzard.

 

[echoshifting]

just like valve and blizzard.

Honestly, at this point I just have to assume you're trolling, guy

 

[Exuro]

well, I probably did forget my password, but this person is definitely not me: http://steamcommunity.com/id/ErrorMacro

So someone has your profile address?

 

[JWong]

From what I understand, BF3 PC version requires Origin. Agreeing to Origins EULA gives EA the right to Now playing BF3 on consoles, you aren't agreeing to that Origin EULA, as Origin isn't required nor available to play BF3 on consoles. So you aren't getting that same Origin spyware as the PC users of BF3 are.

Maybe play an online EA game where you they automatically checkmark "We can use your data for marketing purposes"?

 

[Dorfdad]

No news is good news.

anyone remember this quote?

No Ganews is Good Ganews - Gary Ganew

Maybe im to old for this shit?

PS I hope EA doesn't find the piles of midget porn tucked away in there!

 

[bloodydrake]

well, I probably did forget my password, but this person is definitely not me: http://steamcommunity.com/id/ErrorMacro

that doesn't mean anything thats just a nickname assigned to your id..its not unique to your id
my login name is not bloodydrake but my steam id is..and so is someone else
http://steamcommunity.com/actions/Search?K=bloodydrake&x=0&y=0

 

[Ellis Kim]

Explain.

I'm trying to remember, but wasn't there some sort of... what was it, there was a PC game a while back, like way back, that introduced a weird client-side computer data collection dealio that got people all huffed up and freaked out that it would mean companies would be gaining access to your computer or some such, but it was essentially the kind of metadata tracking that's standard today? Or something like that.

I'm trying to remember, I think it was something I heard on a podcast a few years back, like from 2008, of them referencing from back to around either something involving (possibly) PSU or an id-developed game.

I could be completely off the mark here.

But I was also referring to the amount of private data collecting that so many companies do these days in order to "service" you better, e.g. the reasons behind why anti-sec plans on attacking Facebook and whatnot. I just feel like the wording may not actually equate actual privacy intrusion based on past similar controversies (which, I admit, are incredibly foggy in my memory right now).

That said, if whatever EA's doing with Origin is truly as intrusive as they suggest, then that's really, really not cool, and makes me not want to use the service, BF3 or not Browser history? Seriously?

 

[whatsinaname]

Reposting for new page:

Can someone explain to me how this is different from Google, Facebook, browser extensions, etc. having access to your browsing history? I am, literally, ignorant of the difference.

They keep track only of what you do on their services/software.

Facebook - Track of your pictures, friends, etc that you upload /post to facebook.

Google - Track of Google searches, mail, etc (that is through their services). Track your browsing history if you use their browser, Google Chrome.

Steam - Track games installed through Steam, game stats of Steam games, who you chat with (inside Steam, etc)

Origin - Track other programs installed (NOT through origin), Track browsing history (NOT through Origin browser), system usage (NOT related to Origin use)

 

[jim-jam bongs]

Who wants to bet that one of the programs Origin checks for and reports on is Steam?

 

[Wazzim]

Don't use Origin

Problem solved.

How will I play my EA games then? I just wish they kept the EA download manager

 

[Philthy]

They keep track only of what you do on their services/software.

Facebook - Track of your pictures, friends, etc that you upload /post to facebook.

Google - Track of Google searches, mail, etc (that is through their services). Track your browsing history if you use their browser, Google Chrome.

Steam - Track games installed through Steam, game stats of Steam games, who you chat with (inside Steam, etc)

Origin - Track other programs installed (NOT through origin), Track browsing history (NOT through Origin browser), system usage (NOT related to Origin use)

This explains it. Can they actually do this just because you clicked on a license agreement? This is all expected private data that most typically needs a search warrant to obtain by law enforcement, yet they can simply get it by making a license agreement? I don't understand this.

 

[TheKurgan]

Well this news sucks - but it's not like I am going to pass up on playing Battlefied 3. Damn you EA!

 

[Rebel Leader]

How will I play my EA games then? I just wish they kept the EA download manager

Ummm.. Use a console?

 

[Fine Ham Abounds]

I had Origin installed a while back, then removed it after I remembered fishy shit running in my processes after installing some EA game a long time ago.

Didn't EA get in trouble with spyware with Spore too, or was that just over DRM?

 

[Anton Sugar]

They keep track only of what you do on their services/software.

Facebook - Track of your pictures, friends, etc that you upload /post to facebook.

Google - Track of Google searches, mail, etc (that is through their services). Track your browsing history if you use their browser, Google Chrome.

Steam - Track games installed through Steam, game stats of Steam games, who you chat with (inside Steam, etc)

Origin - Track other programs installed (NOT through origin), Track browsing history (NOT through Origin browser), system usage (NOT related to Origin use)

Thanks!

 

[Rebel Leader]

I had Origin installed a while back, then removed it after I remembered fishy shit running in my processes after installing some EA game a long time ago.

Didn't EA get in trouble with spyware with Spore too, or was that just over DRM?

DRM

 

[Emitan]

Ummm.. Use a console?

It's really easy to keep playing the games! Just use a piece of technology you might not own or want to use!

 

[Duxxy3]

Well shit...

this whole industry is out to fuck us.

 

[Midou]

It's really easy to keep playing the games! Just use a piece of technology you might not own or want to use!

Yep. At this point I'm just going to skip out on Battlefield 3 all together, if ME3 ends up non-steam, origin-only, I might make a choice.

 

[Raide]

Perfect Solution 1!

Spend another $3000 on a PC that just plays BF3. Use you older $3000 PC to surf net/download porn without Origin installed.

Profit!

 

[kinoki]

I'm usually the first person to proclaim "Hey, company, take a bit of my freedom for my pleasure," but this is something else, borderline evil. If this is indeed true Battlefield 3 will never be installed on my PC. If there's one thing I don't like having compromised it's my PC.

 

[Warrior_Keoni]

I wonder why game companies believe they have the right to your stash. My computer isn't a public museum.

Then again, the only private computer is probably one that isn't hooked up to the internet..

 

[Error Macro]

You can choose your own custom URL and username. No guarantee they have the same login username.

So someone has your profile address?

that doesn't mean anything thats just a nickname assigned to your id..its not unique to your id
my login name is not bloodydrake but my steam id is..and so is someone else
http://steamcommunity.com/actions/Search?K=bloodydrake&x=0&y=0

Well damn, now I am confused, and quite possibly an idiot as well. This will need to be investigated further.


And in relation to the thread topic: I am one of biggest fans of the Battlefield series, but I will NOT be touching BF3 if they are insisting on this kind of crap.

Getting sick of this corporatist, anti-consumer BS that is pervading everything...

 

[ZombieSupaStar]

Well shit...

this whole industry is out to fuck us.

yep itll only get worse and worse too, for all the good the internet does, I hate the enabling of hands on my nuts that it gives big companies after point of sale.

 

[Fusion Pizza]

I do most of my work on the PC so this concerns me greatly, ESPECIALLY since I was so ready to buy BF3. Seriously EA, look in the mirror, what are you doing?!

 

[benny_a]

Honestly, at this point I just have to assume you're trolling, guy

Blizzard's WoW Terms of Use
Check under Acknowledgements.

Is that not the same thing in different words?

 

[Emitan]

Blizzard's WoW Terms of Use
Check under Acknowledgements.

Is that not the same thing in different words?

That says nothing about web browsing. All of the things they list are things that are actually related to the game

 

[kinoki]

Blizzard's WoW Terms of Use
Check under Acknowledgements.

Is that not the same thing in different words?

Well, I reads more like a defense for hacking accounts than anything. On the other hand it could be used for nefarious deeds. But Blizzard has earned my trust.

 

[jim-jam bongs]

I wonder why game companies believe they have the right to your stash. My computer isn't a public museum.

Then again, the only private computer is probably one that isn't hooked up to the internet..

On one of the nerd boards I inhabit, probably Ars, there was a wonderful thread where a guy who worked as a security analyst for the US government asked for advice on making an impenetrable system as a purely academic exercise. It ended up being headless and NIC-less, locked in a lead lined room with a white noise generator and an EM field around the doorway.

 

[angelfly]

That says nothing about web browsing. All of the things they list are things that are actually related to the game

EA's agreement doesn't mention web browsing either.

 

[benny_a]

That says nothing about web browsing. All of the things they list are things that are actually related to the game

I actually don't see that either in the EA terms of service.
(Is this the correct one?)

If that is the right ToS, can you point out where it says it will create a profile of my browsing habits?

 

[Woo-Fu]

I'm more worried about getting struck by lightning than I am a clause in the EULA for a download service in beta.

If you have a real problem with it *and* have to use Origin then just rename your game executables to easucks.exe. Maybe that info will tell them something important.

 

[D4Danger]

I actually don't see that either in the EA terms of service.
(Is this the correct one?)

If that is the right ToS, can you point out where it says it will create a profile of my browsing habits?

I think you're looking for the Origin EULA

http://www.ea.com/1/product-eulas

Direct -> http://eacom.s3.amazonaws.com/EULA_Origin+_June+launch_.5.17.11.pdf

IF YOU DO NOT WANT EA TO COLLECT, USE, STORE, TRANSMIT OR DISPLAY THE DATA DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION, PLEASE DO NOT INSTALL OR USE THE APPLICATION

this would suggest that you can't opt-out

so you can either install BF3 and some spyware or nothing

 

[Kyaw]

You guys LOOOOOVVEEEE to hate on Origin/EA.

 

[jim-jam bongs]

I'm more worried about getting struck by lightning than I am a clause in the EULA for a download service in beta.

If you have a real problem with it *and* have to use Origin then just rename your game executables to easucks.exe. Maybe that info will tell them something important.

Dear Woo-Fu,

Due to unauthorised modification of game files your account has been banned from the Origin service. Thank you for choosing Origin!

Regards,
EA

 

[Emitan]

You guys LOOOOOVVEEEE to hate on Origin/EA.

I love to hate things to deserve ridicule, yes.

 

[Osietra]

Uninstalled Origin. Will not be buying Battlefield 3.

Lol. Just by googling your name I get facts about rape-porn and your country of origin (EA).

 

[Emitan]

Lol. Just by googling your name I get facts about rape-porn and your country of origin (EA).

I found his Youtube profile

 

[Hellsing321]

You guys LOOOOOVVEEEE to hate on Origin/EA.

Well they do make it incredibly easy.

 

[benny_a]

I think you're looking for the Origin EULA

Thanks. Relevant section here:

2. Consent to Collection and Use of Data.

You agree that EA may collect, use, store and transmit technical and related information that identifies your computer (including
the Internet Protocol Address), operating system, Application usage (including but not limited to successful installation and/or
removal), software, software usage and peripheral hardware, that may be gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of
software updates, dynamically served content, product support and other services to you, including online services. EA may also
use this information combined with personal information for marketing purposes and to improve our products and services. We may
also share that data with our third party service providers in a form that does not personally identify you. IF YOU DO NOT WANT EA
TO COLLECT, USE, STORE, TRANSMIT OR DISPLAY THE DATA DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION, PLEASE DO NOT INSTALL OR USE THE APPLICATION.

This and all other data provided to EA and/or collected by EA in connection with your installation and use of this Application is
collected, used, stored and transmitted in accordance with EA’s Privacy Policy located at www.ea.com. To the extent that anything
in this section conflicts with the terms of EA’s Privacy Policy, the terms of the Privacy Policy shall control.

I've bolded the things that I find personally unjustifiable because you can't opt-out. The rest is mostly standard EULA/ToS stuff like uploading dxdiag with a bugreport. It still should ask me every time it happens but not the end of the world.

I mean "software" probably means everything on your computer. But why was web browsing habits brought up? One could just as easily say they are checking your bank software and check if you have enough money to buy more EA products this month.

 

[Twinduct]

Hmm .. so the privacy policy supersedes the eula?
If so, I can live with that. EA pretty much knows where I live by now anyway.

 

[Sutton Dagger]

Unlike some (MW2 Boycott), I will not be installing Origin and BF3 under any circumstances whilst these ridiculous terms of use are in place. No sale from me EA.

 

[FieryBalrog]

Steam - Track games installed through Steam, game stats of Steam games, who you chat with (inside Steam, etc)

Origin - Track other programs installed (NOT through origin), Track browsing history (NOT through Origin browser), system usage (NOT related to Origin use)

Steam's anticheat (like Blizzard's Warden) certainly keeps track of more than just "what you installed and who you chat with". They check all things you have running in memory.

Not trusting EA is one thing and is certainly a rational position. What bugs me is the invention of these drastic differences when there isn't anywhere near that.

Also how is EA's "we may share information that does not personally identify you" is different from Steam's "we may share aggregate info but not personally identifiable info"... ?

 

[Beth Cyra]

Hmm well I have avoided Origin since it first came out and I plan to continue this.

However I'm still going to pick up the CE of ME3 so I can finally have Fem Shep on the box, hopefully with in a few months someone will create a crack so I can avoid Origin and play my copy.