Sony Deletes 551 Movies PlayStation Owners Paid For (reclaimthenet.org)

Article summary

Sony is removing 551 StudioCanal movies and TV shows from the PlayStation Store libraries of customers who paid for them, citing licensing agreements. The removal is set to occur on September 1, and customers will no longer be able to access the content. This move has raised concerns about digital ownership and the control companies have over content. The incident highlights the shift towards digital distribution and the potential risks of relying on companies to maintain access to purchased content.

Main themes

• Digital ownership
• Licensing agreements
• Content control
• Digital distribution
• Consumer rights

What commenters say

• The concept of 'buying' digital content is misleading, as companies can revoke access at any time due to licensing agreements.
• Customers should be allowed to keep access to content they have purchased, even if the licensing agreement between the company and the content owner expires.
• The shift towards digital distribution and streaming services is eroding the concept of ownership and control over content.
• Some argue that the 'buy' option for digital content should come with a guarantee of permanent access, while others believe that customers should be aware of the potential risks of digital ownership.
• The use of DRM-free content and open hardware could provide a solution to the issue of content control and ownership.
• The incident highlights the need for clearer language and transparency from companies regarding what customers can expect when purchasing digital content.
• Some commenters believe that Valve's approach to digital distribution, as seen with Steam, is a more consumer-friendly model that prioritizes ownership and control.
• The potential for companies to change their terms and conditions or go out of business raises concerns about the long-term accessibility of digital content.