Today Google bricked my Chromebook by force-installing a hidden extension

If what you say is correct then the device is (a) not fit for purpose and (b) it's possible you may be able to claim damages on the basis that the manufacturer has changed its modus operandi without your permission or consent and it's now incompatible with the way you work, etc., etc.

If Google reckons it had the right to alter your device because you agreed to its EULA, then it seems you'd still have a case on grounds that it no longer functions as it should.

There are only two things that will stop these bastards—them realizing such behavior is draining money from their hip pockets and proper consumer and privacy legislation.

But forget the latter, democracy is stuffed, and Big Tech has it by the balls anyway.

Not everywhere. Here in Vic, Australia, I can return a product for defects any time within its “expected product lifetime”. How long is that? It’s never specified explicitly! So yeah, it kinda doesn’t matter how old a laptop is if the manufacturer pulls stunts like this. You can still give them a headache if you want to.

Europe also has great customer protection laws. And this domain is .NZ - I wouldn’t be surprised if New Zealand has decent customer protection laws too.

The US’s democracy is stuffed. But thankfully the world is much bigger than the United States.