[omoikane]

It has been increasingly difficult to do that, probably because a lot of these "smart" appliances sells for more and thus have more "vote".

Last time I went to buy a refrigerator, there maybe only one or two that were freed of the extra features that I did not want, compared to the 30 or so that were on display. And TVs without wifi were nonexistent.

[throw10920]

I mean, sure, it's increasingly hard to buy a non-smart appliance, but the value of making your preference known should be obvious.

Even if a regulatory solution is ideal (which I'm leaning toward), corrupt politicians will make it very difficult to get that regulation enacted, which means that "voting with your wallet" and making a big deal about it are both still necessary in the meantime, and will provide some benefit if done en-masse.