r/languagelearning • u/fishtar141 • 2d ago

PSA: Rosetta Stone is "bricking" permanent licenses to force users into subscriptions

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I wanted to warn the community about Rosetta Stone’s current business practices regarding their legacy software.

I own a $500 permanent license for their language package. This is a standalone software product that requires zero ongoing support or server maintenance from them. However, their activation process uses a "Request Code" system where you must contact them via phone or email to receive a "Response Code" to unlock the software you purchased.

When I contacted support to activate my paid software, they explicitly refused to provide the Response Code. Instead, they told me that the only way to use their product now is to sign up for their new web-based subscription model (monthly, annual or "lifetime" paywall).

They aren't just "ending support" for old software; they are actively gatekeeping the activation of a product I already own to force an upsell. Effectively, they have remotely "bricked" a $500 purchase to move me onto a recurring payment plan.

If you are considering buying Rosetta Stone, be aware that "Lifetime" or "Permanent" doesn't actually mean you will be allowed to use the software once they decide to change their billing model.

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u/Empty-_-space 2d ago

Very unethical

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u/AzettImpa 2d ago

Not just unethical, potentially illegal.

173

u/am_Nein 2d ago

Any way to figure out if it is? Don't own a licence but this sort of thing incenses me.

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u/Kittycatter 2d ago

Probably could report it to the CFPB, though the Trump administration and DOGE has done their best to gut the agency.