Consumer Protection
Ongoing coverage on Consumer Protection.
Latest coverage
EU fines Temu $232 million for selling illegal products
The European Commission has fined Temu €200 million ($232 million) for failing to prevent the sale of illegal products on its platform. This action highlights the regulatory scrutiny e-commerce platforms face regarding product safety and legality.
Stop Killing Games petition on game server switch offs will get a reply "before the summer", European Commission promise during latest debate
The European Commission has promised a response to the Stop Killing Games petition regarding online game server shutdowns before the summer. Politicians debated consumer protections for game server shutdowns, with some referencing the long wait for Grand Theft Auto 6 as a comparison for legislative timelines. The Commission acknowledged the complexity of the issue and will examine existing rules before finalizing its communication.
Pokémon Company Considers Using Government ID To Tackle TCG Scalping
The Pokémon Company is considering implementing a system that requires government-issued identification, such as Japan's My Number Card, to purchase certain Trading Card Game products and register for events. This measure aims to combat scalping and ensure fair access for all customers, with the potential rollout starting in August 2026. While individual ID numbers will not be stored, fans are encouraged to obtain a My Number Card if they wish to participate in future product sales or events.
"Predatory as hell" Subnautica 2 EULA sets $50 max damage payout limit, bans VPN use, and has fans very concerned
Subnautica 2's End User License Agreement has drawn criticism from fans for clauses including a $50 maximum payout for damages, a ban on VPN use, and restrictions on playing on multiple devices. While some clauses are standard legal protections, others have raised concerns about consumer rights. The developers have indicated that modding will be permitted, similar to the original game.
Amazon is facing a class action lawsuit for not refunding its customers after 'unlawful' tariffs
Amazon is facing a class action lawsuit alleging the company owes customers hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds due to unlawful tariffs. The lawsuit claims these tariffs were improperly applied, leading to financial losses for users.
Meta is facing another lawsuit over scam ads on Facebook and Instagram
Meta is facing a new lawsuit alleging that the company is not adequately protecting senior citizens and other vulnerable groups from scam advertisements on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit claims Meta's current measures are insufficient to prevent fraudulent ads.
Netflix Digugat, Dituding Bikin Anak-anak Kecanduan Nonton
Netflix is facing a lawsuit in Texas, filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton, accusing the company of deceptive trade practices. The lawsuit alleges that Netflix designs its platform to be addictive, particularly for children, through features like "autoplay" and engages in illegal data collection and sharing with advertising technology companies. Netflix has denied the allegations, calling them "unfounded" and "distorted," and stated they take member privacy seriously.
Evening Legal Briefs
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.