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Introduction

As digital platforms continue to expand, consumers are increasingly confronted with a significant issue: what does it mean to “buy” digital content? Movies, music, games, and even eBooks are often sold using traditional terms like “buy” and “purchase,” but the nature of these transactions is far different from buying physical goods. Instead of receiving full ownership rights, consumers are often granted limited access, leaving many questioning whether they are truly buying anything at all.

The Digital Ownership Dilemma

Historically, purchasing a product meant owning it outright. Whether it was a movie, game, or book, consumers had full control over how they used it. In the digital realm, however, this expectation has shifted. When paying for digital content, consumers are often only acquiring a license to access it, rather than obtaining full ownership. This license can come with restrictions—such as limited playback options or device compatibility—and, in some cases, the right to access the content may be revoked altogether.

This disparity between traditional and digital purchases is a source of growing frustration. While digital platforms often advertise content with language that suggests ownership, the fine print reveals that what is being bought is far less substantial.

The Role of DRM and Licensing

Digital Rights Management (DRM) plays a significant role in this shift. DRM technology is designed to prevent unauthorized copying or sharing of digital content, but it also restricts how legitimate buyers can use the product they paid for. For example, consumers may find that they can only view a purchased movie on specific platforms or devices, or that they lose access to it if the platform changes its policies or loses the rights to distribute the content.

This control benefits companies by allowing them to protect their intellectual property, but it limits consumers’ rights in ways that would be unthinkable with physical media. These restrictions create a scenario in which paying full price for digital content does not equate to true ownership.

The Ethics of Advertising “Buying” Digital Goods

The use of terms like “buy” and “purchase” in digital transactions has raised ethical concerns. Many consumers feel misled, as these terms traditionally imply that the buyer will have full control over the product. When consumers pay $20 or more for a digital movie, they often assume they are getting something permanent. However, what they are often receiving is merely a revocable license, subject to restrictions and potential removal from their library.

This mismatch between expectation and reality has sparked debates about consumer rights in the digital space. The lack of transparency in how these transactions are marketed contributes to the frustration, as buyers feel that they are not getting what they paid for.

Recent Legal Developments: California’s 2025 Law

Recognizing these concerns, California has taken steps to address the issue. A new law, set to take effect in 2025 (AB 2426), will require digital platforms to be more transparent about the nature of digital purchases. Companies will no longer be allowed to use terms like “buy” or “purchase” unless they clearly inform consumers that they are only purchasing a license, not actual ownership【15†source】【16†source】【17†source】.

This law aims to eliminate some of the confusion surrounding digital transactions, ensuring that consumers know exactly what they are paying for. While this is a step in the right direction, it does not change the underlying business model, which still relies on restricted access rather than true ownership.

The Impact on Consumer Choices

For many consumers, this lack of ownership has become a deal-breaker. Some are choosing not to purchase digital movies, games, or other media, opting instead to rent or wait for physical copies. The uncertainty of whether access to a product might be revoked, combined with the limitations imposed by DRM, makes digital purchases feel like a poor investment.

For example, highly anticipated titles like Black Myth: Wukong are currently available only in digital format, but some consumers are hesitating to buy due to concerns about the lack of true ownership. Until digital platforms offer more security and clarity regarding ownership rights, many will continue to resist digital purchases, particularly for high-cost items.

Conclusion

The issue of digital ownership is one that cannot be ignored as more and more media is consumed through digital platforms. While technological advancements and streaming services have made content more accessible, they have also created new challenges regarding consumer rights and ownership. Without meaningful reforms, consumers will continue to question the value of digital purchases, and companies will need to find ways to balance their business interests with the rights of the people who support them.

Until then, the frustrations surrounding digital ownership will likely persist, as consumers are left to navigate the confusing and restrictive world of digital content licensing.