Digital media ownership confusion is common among consumers purchasing movies and shows from platforms such as Amazon and Google. In reality, you're not actually purchasing the content but merely acquiring a license to view it. This limited-duration license allows you to access the content, but the rights can be revoked if the platform fails to retain them.
Recently, Sony caused a stir by removing numerous Discovery series from the PlayStation Store, offering no refunds to those who had previously purchased these content pieces. This event underscores the concept that digital purchases don't equate to ownership. Sony's negligence in not explicitly mentioning the possibility of content disappearance when customers purchase digital content raises concerns. The problem here is not unique to Sony; other platforms like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Netflix all face the same issue.
This predicament implies that you don't genuinely own the digital shows and movies you "purchase." Regardless of whether it's Hollywood classics like "The Dark Knight" on Amazon or "Community: Season 1" on Google, the digital media you "buy" does not inherently belong to you or the platform selling it. You're essentially paying for the privilege of viewing it until the license expires. Once the license agreement between the platform and the content owner ends, the platform loses the right to sell the content, and in turn, you lose the right to view it. Unfortunately, no refunds, discounts on future purchases, or justifications are given.
Though licensing agreements prevent full ownership, keeping digital media on physical formats like DVDs and Blu-rays remains beneficial. Buying physical copies creates a sense of true ownership, protecting you from potential content removal or license revocation. In the event that a studio decides to withdraw a film or TV show from a platform, you're far less likely to feel the impact if you possess the physical medium.
In brief, embracing the misconception that you own digital media can leave you in a disappointing situation when platforms lose access to content. This issue poses a universal challenge for digital media providers, affecting every platform you pay to access content. To avoid disappointment, purchase physical copies to truly own media.
Additional Insight: Virtually, licensing agreements for digital movies and shows adhere to specific criteria:
- Transactional characteristics: Digital media customers buy a limited-duration license to access content, not outright ownership. This right can be revoked if the platform loses the content rights.
- Disclosure requirements: Seeking transparency, California law AB 2426, in effect as of January 1, 2025, obligates digital stores to disclose explicitly that purchases manifest as licenses, not as full ownership[1][5].
- Consumer acknowledgment: To comply with the law, platforms must receive affirmative acknowledgment from buyers, confirming they understand the restrictions of their limited-duration license, or they must clearly indicate before completion that the license pertains to digital content[1].
- Platform policies: Platfroms like Amazon, Google, and Netflix must adhere to their own terms and conditions, which clarify the limitations of the licensed content and inform clients that access to content may terminate if the platform no longer holds the rights[1][5].
