It was a matter of time before the authorities would look at what is happening on digital content distribution platforms. User agreements, which most do not read, expose the reality of this type of product, be it video games, movies, music, indicating in small letters that you are not making a purchase, nor do you own the copy, so can be withdrawn from the user account at any time. However, the digital experience continues to indicate that “you buy a game”, but this already has its days numbered in the United States.
A law in the United States will force digital stores to expose the reality of “purchases”
According to information from The Verge, California Governor Gavin Newsom Signs AB 2426 which, starting next year, will force digital stores to explicitly inform users that the purchases they make on their platforms do not belong to them because in reality they are not purchases, but rather payments for the use of a license whose modification of conditions may arise at any time. In the case of video games, in recent years there has been the closure of Internet-dependent titles, as in the case of The Crew from Ubisoft, as well as the termination of operations of digital stores, such as those of Nintendo, and although owners can continue downloading the games, it is not known how long they will be able to continue doing so.
Likewise, it is reported that as soon as the law comes into force, digital stores must remove the word “purchase” and synonyms, making it clear that the relationship between the user and the distribution platform is that of payment for the use and enjoyment of a license that may expire at any time. On the other hand, it was revealed that this law will not apply to those stores that guarantee that the user has access to the content they paid for regardless of server closures, end of agreements or any other situation.
In this regard, Jacqui Irwin, California Assemblywoman, stated that this law is very important to provide certainty to consumers in an era in which the physical format is on the way out and digital spaces do not provide certainty: “as retailers continue to move away From the sale of physical media, the need for consumer protections in the purchase of digital media has become increasingly important. I thank the governor for signing AB 2426, ensuring that false and misleading advertising by sellers is eliminated. of digital media that incorrectly tell consumers they own their purchases may become a thing of the past.
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