News Newly Signed Law May Restrict Sony's Use of Terms Like 'Buy' or 'Purchase' for Digital Games

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A newly signed Californian law known as AB 2426 will require that digital storefronts operating within the American state (which, if it were a country, would have the fifth largest economy in the world) tell its customers they are licensing goods and not purchasing products. Sony obviously does a lot of business in California, with several of its first-party studios located there, and this may mean it will be restricted from using misleading terms like "purchase" or "buy" for digital products on the PS Store.

AB 2426 will come into effect next year, and it has some interesting implications (thanks, PSLS). If, for example, Sony wants to use terms meant to convey that the consumer owns a purchased digital good, it will need to obtain an acknowledgement from the consumer or provide a clear statement that the product is really a license that can be revoked. Failing to do so would make Sony subject to a fine for false advertising. In a press release, assembly member Jacqui Irwin said of the new law:

"AB 2426 will ensure the false and deceptive advertising from sellers of digital media incorrectly telling consumers they own their purchases becomes a thing of the past."

Are you looking forward to more popups on the PS Store and more creative ways of describing what a digital game is? In the comments section below, hold your physical games close and whisper sweet nothings.