Boy, did I!
I own two TCL TVs with ROKU. So, its not just my ROKU device that is affected. Its also holding my TVs hostage.
Ironically, I have an Apple TV connected to one and a Google TV connected to the other. I was only using the TCL ROKU app to switch the input to these devices (its set to do this automatically when powered on).
I am now heavily motivated to fight this predatory (and in my opinion illegal) trade practice.
Since I am absolutely not agreeing to this, I tried a few different UI actions to circumvent it. Rapidly pushing the back (<-) button several times caused the TV to ask if I wanted to report an issue. I declined reporting the issue.
Further, I have (so far) contacted my state senators, my state's AG office, and (yeah I am this upset) the white house office of the president.
Over the coming days, when I find some spare time, I'll be contacting the executives and general counsels of both ROKU and TCL. I'll probably throw in the offices of the FTC, FCC, BBB, and whatever other relevant agencies I can come up with. Perhaps, I'll even alert some of the news agencies as well.
If this upsets you also, I highly suggest you do some of the same. Its easy to open complaints online with all of the aforementioned entities. The more they receive, the more likely they'll act to put a stop to this!
If nothing else, hopefully a strong response will create a public outcry.
Finally, this action by ROKU is producing the exact opposite consequences of its intent. I had previously never considered a class action suit. However, this predatory action is giving me second thoughts!
Forgetting that this is quasi-legal, for the moment, its also terribly public relations. Not a smart move from an already declining brand.
Perhaps you could share some of that information, contacts etc so that others could do the same.
As consumers, we really need to start making companies more accountable. Clicking AGREE on long, hard to understand legal filled mumbo jumbo is unfair when WE bring the business to these companies.
These are the places I've contacted so far...
State Senators (see https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm)
FTC Complaints (see https://www.ftc.gov/ under Take Action)
White House (see https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/)
ROKU General Counsel: generalcounsel@roku.com
State AG (depends on your state). Google your state's name plus "A General", using the full "A" word (synonym for counsel). Apparently, I can't post if I use the full "A" word.
I'd like to start a social media campaign too, but I'm not a fan, so I'll leave that to others 🙂
FCC Complaints (see https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us)
Though the FCC likely only applies to TVs with built-in Rokus, not the separately connected streaming devices.
FTC report filed under the FRAUD section.
What did you choose as the problem for the FCC site?
>> What did you choose as the problem for the FCC site?
"TV Service Issues"
Specifically, it is preventing me from having access to my TV. On the TCL TV with built-in Roku, it blocks ANY TV viewing. Additionally, I suspect (although cannot prove) it might block EAS (Emergency Alert System) broadcasts.
These would both be less less successful claims with the separate Roku streaming devices.
The better claims (for both built-in and separate devices) are with the FTC which enforces consumer protection laws.
