So I just got Mass Effect 3 and went to install it and it requires Origin. From what little I read from the Bioware forum, Origin is some kind of spyware?

Would that be an accurate statement? if so what type of information does it collect, and what happens to that info?

Do you guys use Origin?

It's EA's version of Steam. People call it spyware because it had some dodgy clauses in the terms of service but this got changed. Most people don't really give a shit and just get on with it at this point. It really isn't that bad.

I don't use Origin, it is a digital distribution platform, they will collect your email address and contact information when you setup your account, as far as spyware, I don't believe they are doing anything other than collecting system specs, but they do have some disturbing things in their eula that make it sound like they are or could do anything at any time and that is why people are pissed about it.

@GlutenBob said:

From what little I read from the Bioware forum [...]

Take what your read in official forums anywhere with a grain of salt.

I have some password protected documents and some .txt files with confidential information. Will those be scanned too? I usually have them in my My Documents folder.

EDIT: Also i have been reading about placing Origin in a sandbox using Sandboxie. Do you guys recommend such a course of action, or should I just let Origin be as is.

@GlutenBob said:

I have some password protected documents and some .txt files with confidential information. Will those be scanned too? I usually have them in my My Documents folder.

Dont worry, Origin does not send the contents of files to any one. They are only scanning for cheat programs and mods.

I have some password protected documents and some .txt files with confidential information. Will those be scanned too? I usually have them in my My Documents folder.

EDIT: Also i have been reading about placing Origin in a sandbox using Sandboxie. Do you guys recommend such a course of action, or should I just let Origin be as is.

Good grief

@alternate:

what do you mean?

Is just like steam , but for EA games and ... less awesome :/ , I wish I could have got Mass Effect 3 on steam tho, oh well

I am not qualified enough with EULAs and crap to give you a satisfying answer but, with 10 million people using Origin, I say just go for it.

Origin is totally fine. Install it.

Origin stole my credit card info and murdered my grandparents. I cannot recommend this program.

It's Steam, but for EA games.

People need to stop freaking out over nothing.

There are some questionable things going on in Origin where the EULA specifically mentions they have the right to suspend accounts if they detect something they don't like. That is beyond what Steam, GoG, and others care about where they may have monitors on specific games that are invoked at runtime but it appears Origin will scan parts that have to do nothing with any installed game even not playing.

If you can handle that then go for it but it easy to see why it bothers some otherwise it is a safe market place to buy stuff on.

Not sure if serious.

Origin is fine. So much nonsense on the internet about it.

I don't like Origin very much, as it lags my computer, and at one point deleted my saves in a game, but calling it Spyware is a bit far. I've played several games with it, and it's better than, say, GFWL.

@GlutenBob said:

I have some password protected documents and some .txt files with confidential information. Will those be scanned too? I usually have them in my My Documents folder.

EDIT: Also i have been reading about placing Origin in a sandbox using Sandboxie. Do you guys recommend such a course of action, or should I just let Origin be as is.

They aren't going to download any of your files, if that ever happened to anyone, the shit would hit the fan.

Origin does nothing nasty Steam doesn't do, don't worry about it.

Don't worry, they wont see those nudey pictures of you that you have hidden.

@KarlPilkington said:

Don't worry, they wont see those nudey pictures of you that you have hidden.

phew..was a little worried there.