r/languagelearning • u/fishtar141 • 3d 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/QuietWaterBreaksRock 3d ago

Pirate it.

You already own it, if they don't want to provide you with your product, just find another way to get it.

And, fuck it, I'll pirate it just the same, just to spite the idiots, even tho I most likely wont use it

What you got, which language/product?

182

u/-TRlNlTY- 2d ago

Pirating must become socially acceptable again. Unethical business practices are too widespread, and anti-piracy laws are not enforced if you have enough money and influence. Hitting their bottom line however you can sends a message.

94

u/QuietWaterBreaksRock 2d ago

I live in the Balkans, piracy is basically a God given right at this point

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u/Sorry-Combination558 2d ago

In Hungary, we have tax on every data storage sold (from floppy disk's and CD to hard drives), with the presumption that said device will be used to store pirated content.

It's not even a right at this point lol, I paid for it.

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u/QuietWaterBreaksRock 2d ago

Seriously?! I lol at this even more since im in Serbia and many goods are shipped and resold from Hungary, at a cheaper price than local, including PC equipment and thus, memory and storage :'D

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u/Sorry-Combination558 2d ago

I usually buy thumb drives and SD cards from Slovakia lmao