Software licensing puts users at a disadvantage

By: Giovanni Gonzalez / Staff Writer

Everyone who has purchased software has come across an agreement contract between the developer and the end user meant to protect  the interests of both parties. Most of us simply scroll to the bottom and click “Accept” while trying to get to our software as soon as possible. Recently, it is becoming more common for the software developers to include more fine print that benefits them and less that benefits consumers.
It is not right for software developers to draft these contracts in their favor while knowing that most users don’t read them in the first place. These End User License Agreements are typically used to ensure that software is not copied or changed after purchase. All software development companies have different stipulations in their contracts and some heavily favor the developer over the consumer.
One such condition was a Digital Rights Management clause in the iTunes EULA. The condition stated that all songs purchased from the iTunes store would be protected by DRM and could only be used on iTunes and other Apple products. This meant copying songs, playing them in other programs and using them within any products not cleared by Apple was prohibited. This severely limited the songs purchased by users. As a result of public disagreement, DRM protection was lifted in 2009.
Apple also has the right to remove applications from the iTunes App Store without notifying a user, even after the app has been purchased. If, for any reason, users want to re-download the app, it will be unavailable and they will have nothing to show for what they paid. Conditions like these are covered in the software agreements.
Some software developers will go as far as instituting installation limits on their programs to ensure that they are not installed on multiple computers. EA Games, Windows and Microsoft all impose limits to how many machines can run their programs and how many times they can be installed. Although it is covered by the contract agreement that one must accept before installing the program, it is completely unreasonable to limit a program installation to only a few times.
Countless things can happen that can cause a program to need a re-installation. After the final one, users must purchase another copy of the program if they wish to keep using it. This clearly favors the developer because, in the long run, it will lead to repeat purchases of the same product.
EULA also curb originality and innovation because many prohibit copying or making changes to the program. This stops experienced users from improving the programs they like to use. A customer should not be denied the ability to customize a product for improved efficiency and usability just because the software developers disagree with it.
It is discouraging to see large software development corporations take advantage of their customers by making them follow silly rules before they can even use their products. The EULA were meant to protect both the user and the developer, but it seems that the users are getting the short end of the stick after paying good money for products they cannot control.