Sony Is Under Investigation By The ACCC For Allegedly Misleading Australian Gamers

The ACCC has today revealed that it is undertaking proceedings in the Federal Court against Sony Interactive Entertainment for making false or misleading representations to Australian consumers on both its website and the PlayStation Store.

This relates to Sony’s controversial refund policy, which has been widely spoken about in recent times. In particular, the ACCC has alleged that Sony Europe has told consumers that it did not have to provide refunds for games that had been downloaded or if 14 days had passed since purchase. The ACCC has said that this is not in line Australian consumers laws.

“We allege that Sony Europe gave false and misleading information to their customers about their rights in relation to games sold via its PlayStation Store,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.

“Consumer guarantees do not expire after a digital product has been downloaded as we allege Sony Europe told consumers, and refunds must be given in the form of original payment unless a consumer chooses to receive it in store credit.”

“Consumers who buy digital products online have exactly the same rights as they would at a physical store,” Mr Sims said.

“Sony Europe’s alleged conduct may have caused Australian consumers to not seek a refund, replacement or repair for a faulty game when the Australian Consumer Law gave them a right to do so,” Mr Sims said.

You can read the full statement by the ACCC right HERE. We will keep you posted as proceedings unfold.