// digital ownership

All signals tagged with this topic

Aug 12

Sony Deletes Purchased Digital Movies From Customer Libraries

Sony is removing 551 films and shows from users' digital libraries despite prior purchase, exposing a critical vulnerability in the "ownership" narrative around digital goods. Purchasing digital media through closed platforms like PlayStation Store grants only revocable access, not property rights. The distinction matters as consumers shift toward digital-first consumption. The backlash will likely accelerate interest in DRM-free alternatives and open formats, putting pressure on other platforms (Apple, Amazon) to clarify their own deletion policies.

theme-consumer digital ownership platform dependency media format transition

Jul 3

Sony's Disc Death Marks End of Game Ownership

Source: Aftermath

Sony's shift away from physical game discs eliminates the last consumer escape hatch from permanent digital licensing. You can no longer buy, sell, or own a game outright—only rent access indefinitely. This consolidates Sony's control over the entire game lifecycle: what you can play, when you can play it, and what happens when servers shut down or licensing agreements expire. The move reflects a consumer shift where ownership is being replaced by metered access. Major entertainment platforms are betting that convenience and connected features matter more to most users than the ability to preserve or resell what they've paid for.