California law requires storefronts to be honest about ownership of digital games

A New California law It will take effect in 2025, effectively forcing digital storefronts to disclose that buyers do not actually own their digital purchases, but simply license the content.

Naturally, we suspect that most of our audience will already be aware of this, but it’s entirely possible that more casual players won’t be familiar with the way digital storefronts work. Effectively, then, he reported Edge (Thanks, Extension of time) Digital storefronts will be prohibited from using the words “purchase, purchase, or any other term that a reasonable person would understand as conferring an unrestricted ownership interest in the digital good or along with the option to lease for a limited time.”

Unless they explicitly disclose that users are licensing the content. This disclosure includes ensuring that customers are informed that licenses can be canceled at any time, and that certain restrictions may apply to purchases. Any violations of this law may result in fines for false advertising.

California Assembly member and author of the bill Jackie Irwin stated:

“As retailers continue to move away from selling physical media, the need for consumer protection when purchasing digital media has become increasingly more important. I thank the Governor for signing AB 2426, which ensures that false and deceptive advertising from digital media sellers who incorrectly tell consumers that they own their purchases will become a thing of the past.“

Of course, publishers can still revoke access to content at the drop of a hat if they wish, but this law at least ensures that customers are aware of this potential outcome ahead of time. We can’t be sure if this law will have ripple effects on other regions, but we suspect that if companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft are forced to change the wording in their storefronts, it will be on a global scale.