Sony is implementing a new policy that could result in legal action against individuals who persistently protest the company's decision to phase out physical PlayStation 5 discs. The announcement comes as fans have voiced significant opposition to the move, often inundating Sony's promotional content with critical comments.
New Harassment Policy
The policy, described as a harassment policy, outlines several prohibited behaviors. While many of these, such as abusive language, threats, and slander, are standard for combating online misconduct, specific wording has drawn attention. Prohibited actions include "persistent and repeated, or prolonged, demands," "requests unrelated to products or services," and "demands against employees." Sony's announcement notes that this list of forbidden behaviors is not exhaustive.
Potential Consequences
These new measures could be used to penalize critics whose actions align with the policy's descriptions. According to Sony, violations may lead to restrictions or suspension of customer service. In more severe cases, Sony stated it could cooperate with law enforcement and pursue legal measures, including criminal proceedings. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding how these policies will be enforced or if specific critics might be targeted.
The introduction of this policy follows recent news where Sony argued in a class-action lawsuit that consumers do not truly own digital games. This stance, combined with the impending discontinuation of physical PS5 discs, suggests that dedicated fans may continue their vocal opposition, potentially testing the boundaries of Sony's new policy.