Two countries in Europe are affected, as previously bought movies are removed from people’s collectons.
Here we go again. In a move that we’ve unfortunately seen too often before, Sony has announced that it is removing the entire Studiocanal library from its PlayStation library. Any users who have purchased titles through the PlayStation store will lose access to these films. The countries affected are Germany and Austria, but there’s no confirmation as yet that they will be the only regions in which this will happen.
Sony announced the move on its website, stating: ‘As of August 31st 2022, due to our evolving licensing agreements with content providers, you will no longer be able to view your previously purchased Studiocanal content and it will be removed from your video library. We greatly appreciate your continued support.’
The ‘evolving licensing agreements’ issue likely stems from Studiocanal bringing much of its library under its own VoD banner in key European markets. Of course, the news once again throws into sharp relief the practice of companies selling digital ‘ownership’ of films to consumers, before revoking such rights when it is no longer profitable or convenient for them. Apple is currently facing a class-action lawsuit in this regard, which may go some way to determining which direction things move in, in the US at least.
Speaking of Apple and other companies that run VoD streaming platforms, it will be interesting to see if they end up following PlayStation’s lead when similar licensing agreements that they have agreed with Studiocanal, also run out. Time will tell, but hopefully a positive courtroom decision in the near future may force these companies to address this highly questionable approach.
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