EA continues to bend you over (not rumor) (updated again!).
This will come as no surprise to you, but EA has no respect for you, the customer. Why? Well, I think it's because they are run by souls possessed by demons, but I'm not one hundred percent sure.
As to how are they doing it in this particular circumstance. Well, they are going to put spyware on your system when install Battlefield 2142 (the latest Battlefield game). I'm low on details and one audio podcast on 1UP, doesn't make it fact, but damn me if it's true. I'd quote some quotes and stuff like I usually do, but somehow I can't copy and paste speech. Damn them.
As soon as I have more details or links to actual confirmed information, I'll be sure to link to them. Also, read more conjecture and bullshit on QT3.
What Would Matt Do: Take EA by the scruff of their scruffy necks and smack them until they get it together.
Update: you can see the agreement you can't see until you open the box here. I can't say I'm too surprised. I can say I won't be buying this game anytime soon. The last Battlefield didn't work well until about 6 months after release and this one is worse, I hear. Couple that with EA ramming things up my ass and I'm sold on not buying it.
Update Update: (much like pizza pizza!) This article gives an exact definition of what they will be tracking.. .it also gives an amusing scenario at the bottom. The IGA guy says if in game advertising doesn't happen, publishers may not be able to make big budget games anymore. Yeah, it has nothing to do with the HUGE suckage that is EA. Nothing at all.