- California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2426, a law requiring more transparency from digital storefronts regarding ownership of purchased content.
- The law will prohibit companies from using terms like "buy" or "purchase" unless they clearly state that the digital content is licensed, not owned, and that the license could expire.
- This applies to video games, movies, TV shows, e-books, and music, with exceptions for products that can be permanently downloaded.
- Violations of the law, which goes into effect next year, could result in fines for false advertising.
- The law aims to protect consumers as digital media continues to replace physical sales, addressing concerns about disappearing content, such as Ubisoft's removal of The Crew from players’ libraries or Amazon’s warnings about digital film ownership.
- California Assembly member Jacqui Irwin, the bill’s author, emphasized the importance of these protections in light of deceptive practices in digital media sales.
- While the law doesn't prevent companies from revoking access to your digital content, it ensures consumers are better informed about potential limitations on their purchases.
