Consumer Protection
Ongoing coverage on Consumer Protection.
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Netflix is facing a lawsuit filed by the Republican Texas Attorney General, who alleges the streaming service is intentionally designed to be addictive and spies on its users. The legal action raises concerns about consumer protection and the platform's user data practices.
Industry lobbyists ridicule "false premise" that "consumers 'own' digital games" amid Stop…
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is lobbying against California's proposed "Protect Our Games Act" (AB-1921), arguing that consumers do not "own" digital games but rather license them. The bill would require publishers to keep games playable or offer refunds when they shut down, a move the ESA claims is based on a "false premise."
The video games industry wants to keep killing games, actually
The 'Stop Killing Games' initiative is advocating for legislation like California's AB 1921, the Protect Our Games Act, to prevent video games from becoming unplayable when online services are shut down. The Entertainment Software Association is lobbying against the bill, arguing that games are licensed, not owned, and that server maintenance is complex. The initiative counters that the proposed law offers companies options like patching games for offline play or issuing refunds, rather than demanding perpetual server support.
Xbox Game Pass "starter edition" now officially bundled with Discord Nitro memberships, with more benefits coming soon
Xbox Game Pass has officially partnered with Discord Nitro, offering a starter edition of the subscription service to eligible Nitro members. This collaboration also includes deeper integration within Discord, allowing users to easily access and try Game Pass titles. Separately, a debate is ongoing in California regarding consumer protection law AB 1921, which aims to ensure offline access or refunds for games when online services cease, with the ESA opposing it and consumer groups like Stop Killing Games supporting it.
"The industry wants people to think this is a demand for eternal server support ... it isn't" - E3 owner and Stop Killing Games clash over Californian games bill
The proposed California consumer protection law AB 1921, which would mandate offline versions or refunds for digital games when online services cease, is facing industry opposition from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Consumer group Stop Killing Games argues the bill is a reasonable request for basic end-of-life protections, not an unreasonable demand for eternal server support. The ESA claims the bill could stifle innovation and force developers to maintain old systems instead of creating new content.
Sony clarifies confusion around DRM game licenses on PlayStation
Sony has clarified its Digital Rights Management (DRM) and game license policies for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, addressing confusion caused by a 30-day timer on newly purchased digital games. A PlayStation representative stated that a one-time online check is required after purchase to confirm the license, with no further check-ins needed afterward. This policy applies to new purchases and is not retroactive.
Nintendo fans are suing the company for a tariff refund — but they're unlikely to succeed
Nintendo fans have filed a class action lawsuit seeking to ensure that any tariff refunds the company receives from the US government are passed on to consumers. The lawsuit claims that if Nintendo keeps the refunds, it would constitute unjust enrichment. Legal experts, however, believe the lawsuit is unlikely to succeed due to the complexities of calculating and distributing precise refunds.
Gamers sue Nintendo over tariff refunds
Two Nintendo customers have filed a class-action lawsuit against Nintendo in Washington state, alleging the company plans to profit by both raising prices due to tariffs and seeking refunds from the US government. The lawsuit claims this would constitute unjust enrichment and violate consumer protection laws. Nintendo is among over 1,000 companies suing the US government over tariffs.
Nintendo is being sued for tariff-related Switch 2 price hikes
Nintendo is facing a class action lawsuit from two US gamers over alleged price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its peripherals related to tariffs. The suit claims Nintendo would be unjustly enriched by recovering tariff payments twice, once from consumers and again from the government through refunds, violating consumer protection laws.
Meta has misled users about scam ads on Facebook and Instagram, lawsuit says
Meta is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit filed by the Consumer Federation of America, alleging the company misled users about scam advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit claims Meta prioritized profits over user safety by allowing high-risk advertisers and charging them more, rather than removing them. Meta denies these allegations, stating they aggressively combat scams and removed over 159 million scam ads last year.
EU Parliament Takes Aim at Publishers Who Kill Your Games
The European Parliament has initiated a hearing to address whether publishers should be allowed to disable games that consumers have already purchased. This legislative body is examining the concept of digital ownership, questioning what it truly means to buy a digital game and whether publishers should be obligated to support games indefinitely or provide offline modes. The outcome of these discussions could lead to new laws impacting how games are sold and owned globally.
Valve look like they might be rolling out 30-day Steam price tracking for everyone, making it easier to spot when game discounts are at their discountiest
Valve appears to be planning to roll out a 30-day price tracking feature for games on Steam to all users, not just those in European countries. This feature, already present in the EU to comply with consumer protection laws, will allow users to see a game's normal price, current price, and its lowest price within the last 30 days, making it easier to identify genuine discounts.
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Valve is reportedly testing a 30-day price tracking feature for Steam, which is already live in some EU countries. This feature aims to combat fake discounts by providing users with a history of a game's price changes.
PC rental company accused of "scamming" customers settles class-action lawsuit for $3.4m
PC rental company NZXT has settled a class-action lawsuit for $3.45 million over its Flex PC rental program. Customers alleged the program was a "bait-and-switch" scheme, providing lower-quality components than advertised and misrepresenting terms like ownership and cancellation fees. The settlement includes debt forgiveness, a cash fund, and PC retention relief, awaiting final judge approval.
Stop Killing Games Campaign Scores Big Win with California Bill
A new California bill, supported by the Stop Killing Games campaign, aims to protect online games from disappearing by requiring clearer end-of-life policies from companies. While some express concerns about technical challenges and development costs, the legislation seeks to ensure players' investments and digital history are better protected. This move could set a precedent for national standards in game preservation and influence future game design towards longevity.
NZXT Pays $3.45M Settlement Over Rental PC Scam Allegations
NZXT has agreed to a $3.45 million settlement over allegations concerning its rental PC program, which has been criticized for potentially predatory practices. Independent reviews, particularly from Gamers Nexus, brought attention to the issue, highlighting concerns about the long-term cost and transparency of such rental schemes. This settlement serves as a warning to the hardware industry regarding consumer protection and corporate accountability.
Steam Game Caught Using Fake Discount Tactics to Fool Shoppers
A Steam user discovered that the game Crime Scene Cleaner appears to be using deceptive discount tactics by inflating its base price before applying a sale. The "40% off" sale price was only slightly lower than the original price, raising concerns about similar practices on the platform and the lack of clear reporting mechanisms for such issues.
The Crew – Ubisoft Hit by a New Lawsuit in France Supported by Stop Killing Games
Ubisoft is facing a new lawsuit in France from consumer association UFC-Que Choisir, supported by Stop Killing Games, over its decision to revoke licenses for The Crew. The lawsuit alleges deceptive business practices and abusive terms regarding the game's revocable license. CEO Yves Guillemot defended the company's actions, stating that game support cannot last forever and that this is an industry-wide issue.
OkCupid settles FTC case on alleged misuse of its users' personal data
OkCupid and its parent company Match Group have settled a lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission regarding alleged misuse of user data in 2014. The dating service was accused of sharing three million user photos and location information with a third-party AI company, Clarifai, without proper user consent. The settlement prohibits future misrepresentation of data collection practices and consumer choices, with OkCupid stating current practices are strengthened.
Jury rules against Meta, orders $375 million fine in major child safety trial
A jury in New Mexico has found Meta liable for violating consumer protection laws related to child exploitation and safety, ordering the company to pay $375 million. The lawsuit alleged Meta knew its platforms put children at risk and failed to implement adequate safety measures. Meta plans to appeal the verdict, while the state intends to pursue a public nuisance trial.