Steam Now Clearly States Digital Purchases Are Licenses, Not Owned Products

Valve has initiated a clear disclosure for customers on its Steam platform, stating that purchasing a game equates to buying a license rather than outright owning the game. This disclosure is visible on the payment checkout screen, as reported by Engadget, and has been confirmed in the desktop app but not yet in the mobile version. This is prepared by SSP.

This move aligns with a new Californian law aimed at clearer consumer information in digital marketplaces. The law, AB 2426, mandates that digital storefronts must specify that purchases confer a license – not ownership – to digital content, addressing issues that arose from incidents where titles like The Crew were removed from user libraries following server shutdowns. The new law doesn’t affect stores offering DRM-free games that can be permanently downloaded, such as Good Old Games.

AB 2426, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, prohibits the use of terms like "buy" or "purchase" unless it refers to acquiring a license, which could be revoked. Violations may lead to false advertising penalties. Valve's adaptation may be a proactive measure in compliance with these guidelines, as the law is set to take effect next year.

Beyond California, this warning is reportedly being shown to Steam users globally. As digital media becomes increasingly dominant over physical forms, consumer protection regarding digital purchases has gained importance, underscored by Assembly member Jacqui Irwin, the bill's author. She highlighted that misleading claims of ownership are becoming obsolete due to this new policy requiring explicit warnings before purchase completion.

In summary, while users are being informed about the licensing nature of their Steam purchases, this law does not prohibit companies from potentially removing access to the content, but it does obligate them to clearly inform consumers of potential limitations before finalizing a transaction.

Earlier, SSP reported that Brazil has lifted ban on X as the platform complied with court orders.