Plex — the much-loved media server software — has updated its privacy policy, and people are not happy with the changes. Included among the changes is a notification that future features may collect and share details about what you’re streaming.
Plex — the much-loved media server software — has updated its privacy policy, and people are not happy with the changes. Included among the changes is a notification that future features may collect and share details about what you’re streaming.
Usage statistics are collected by many companies — including Plex — to improve product; moving forward users will not be able to opt out of this data collection. Needless to say, Plex users are more than a little upset.
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A major sticking point is the inability to opt out of statistics collection: something user enMTW dismisses as “bullshit” over on the Plex forums. This user has a blunt message for Plex: “You are not entitled to that information. You may want it, but you do not get to make the decision for me. Stop making the world a worse place.”
He goes on to say:
enMTV is certainly not alone in being unhappy with Plex. Some users say they can not longer recommend the software, others that they will not be upgrading with the latest updates, and others that they will implement firewall rules to protect their privacy.
In a brief summary of the changes, Plex highlights the follows tweaks to its privacy policy:
Any changes to privacy policies — particularly those which introduce additional data collection — are always eyed with suspicion, and Plex is fully aware of this. In an email sent out to users advising of the upcoming changes, the company tries to fend off a predicted backlash by saying:
But over on the Plex subreddit, there are already various threads filled with complaints, as well as requests for help tracking down media server software that respected privacy. One Reddit user points out:
You can read through the full updated privacy policy over on the Plex website.
The new policy comes into effect September 20,2017 — will it affect your desire to continue using Plex?
