California has passed a law requiring digital stores to indicate that a person is only renting digital content, not buying it

By: Vladyslav Nuzhnov | 27.09.2024, 11:30

We are used to purchasing digital copies of games, films and other products. However, in fact, such a purchase simply gives us a product for rent for an indefinite period and the publisher can take our product back later or after the digital store closes, we will no longer be able to use what we have purchased. And in California, they began to fight this.

Here's What We Know

According to The Verge, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law (AB 2426) aimed at combating the purchase of digital games, films, music, and e-books that "disappear".

The law will force digital retailers to tell people that they are only obtaining a licence to use digital media, not owning the product.

When the law comes into force next in 2025, it will prohibit digital stores from using terms such as "buy" or "purchase" unless they inform people that they do not get unlimited access to what they buy.

Stores will have to inform customers that they are obtaining a licence that can be revoked, as well as provide a list of all restrictions associated with it. Companies that violate this rule may be fined for false advertising.

However, the law will not apply to stores that allow access to content without an internet connection.

In April, Ubisoft started removing The Crew from players' accounts after the closure of servers. And last year, Sony announced that it would remove the purchased Discovery content from the libraries of PlayStation users. Therefore, such a law will at least allow informing people that they do not own the goods.

Source: theverge