From their perspective, they practically own them. I realized this when I first noted a process started by Chrome called "software reporter" that wasn't starte

From their perspective, they practically own them. I realized this when I first noted a process started by Chrome called "software reporter" that wasn't started by me, I had no knowledge it started and if I knew, I wouldn't let it start. The web was full of tips on how to permanently disable the thing from running. So yes, from the point of view of these companies, they can do whatever they feel is reasonable, and we as users have no say in this.