Digital stores will be prohibited from using terms like "buy" or "purchase" unless they disclose licensing terms.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed law AB 2426 aimed at combating the "disappearance" of digital purchases. This new regulation will require online stores to inform customers that they are only receiving a license to use digital content, rather than full ownership rights.
Starting next year, digital platforms will not be able to use the terms "buy" or "purchase" without informing users about access restrictions to the content. Stores will need to educate customers about the provision of a revocable license and provide a list of all related limitations. Companies that violate this rule may face fines for false advertising.
The law will not apply to stores that offer "permanent offline downloads." It was enacted in response to actions from companies like PlayStation and Ubisoft. In April, Ubisoft began removing the game The Crew from players' accounts following the closure of servers for this online game. Last year, Sony announced the removal of purchased Discovery content from PlayStation users' libraries but later reversed that decision.
California Assemblymember Jackie Irwin remarked:
"As sellers continue to move away from selling physical media, the need for consumer protection when purchasing digital media becomes increasingly important."
The new legislation will not stop stores from revoking digital purchases, but it will make users more aware of the potential loss of access to purchased content at any time.
Source: The Verge
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