New rules strengthen refund rights for digital purchases and subscriptions
New guidelines have clarified consumer rights for digital purchases, including games and subscriptions. Experts now stress the importance of checking terms before buying, as buyers gain stronger protections against defective or unwanted products. Under Article 44 of the Uniform Rules, customers can demand a replacement, price reduction, or full refund for faulty digital goods. Natalia Svechnikova, a legal expert from Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, highlighted these rights in cases where games fail to launch on compatible devices or arrive with used activation keys.
Buyers can also reject a fully functional digital product within seven days of purchase for a full refund. For subscriptions, they may claim back the unused portion. Issues like missing interface languages or frequent service outages can further justify refund requests. To support a claim, consumers must submit proof of purchase, order confirmations, and details of technical problems. Claims remain valid for two years after receiving or accessing the product, even without an explicit warranty. Service providers must also warn users about automatic renewals at least three days beforehand. Experts advise checking account regions, purchase formats, and device restrictions before buying. Opting for sellers with clear contact details and active customer support reduces risks like receiving pre-activated keys or limited subscriptions.
The updated rules give consumers more ways to challenge faulty or unwanted digital purchases. With proper documentation and awareness of terms, buyers can now secure refunds or replacements more easily. Sellers must also comply with stricter notification requirements for subscriptions.
