Thread update - 05-Dec-2023This thread was originally created to highlight Sony removing access to TV content that customers had paid for. However, I'd like to amend this to encompass news on all situations where a company withdraws access to video game or media content; the topic will possibly become a lot hotter in the coming months and years as similar situations arise.
Thank you.
jawa
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In a move that will rightfully have people questioning the advent of an all-digital future, Sony has confirmed that hundreds of Discovery TV shows will soon be completely removed from PlayStation platforms — even if you've purchased them through the PS Store.
"As of 31 December 2023, due to our content licensing arrangements with content providers, you will no longer be able to watch any of your previously purchased Discovery content and the content will be removed from your video library," reads the rather sudden announcement. That same page includes a full list of all the Discovery shows that are being wiped — and it's a long one.
You can read Sony's announcement - and see the massive list of affected content - here:
click.
I can't quite believe that Sony are removing access to content that people have purchased; nor that they're doing so with just 29 days notice under a "Legal Update Notice". Unfortunately this just confirms that buying any digital content is loaded with risk; companies can - and do - remove access to your purchases and you have no legal recourse.
To then finish with "We sincerely thank you for your continued support" is just taking the piss. You'd think it wouldn't be legal but, of course, it is as there is lots of legal text allowing just this kind of thing to happen whenever we make a digital purchase.
It's not new but this is more evidence that by buying digital we don't own anything beyond a temporary, undetermined rental, and nor do we have any real form of rights. I have never supported the idea of piracy but, now, I'm wondering if it's the only reasonable and long-term way to access content.