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Consumer Rights

All articles tagged with #consumer rights

EU Won’t Block Sony’s Pivot to All-Digital PS Games
news19 hours ago

EU Won’t Block Sony’s Pivot to All-Digital PS Games

An EU commissioner says the European Union can’t force Sony to keep producing physical PlayStation discs; Sony announced it will stop printing physical Blu-ray game discs for new releases starting in 2028, moving to an all-digital lineup, with existing physical copies remaining for years. Commissioner Michael McGrath emphasized commercial and contractual freedoms and that consumer rights must be protected, while acknowledging the EU can’t pass laws to preserve games or keep servers running. The Commission plans a voluntary code of conduct for game preservation, but Sony’s shift to digital is proceeding as planned.

EU rejects mandatory game preservation; shifts toward industry code and consumer safeguards
technology24 days ago

EU rejects mandatory game preservation; shifts toward industry code and consumer safeguards

The European Commission rejected a legal obligation to keep video games playable after publishers stop providing them, citing intellectual property rights and existing EU consumer protections. It will instead pursue a jointly developed industry code of conduct on end-of-life management and strengthen awareness of consumer rights, while leaving room for future reforms. This keeps pressure on publishers to rethink online lifespans and may influence other countries.

Nintendo Europe fined €35m for Joy-Con drift disclosure
business1 month ago

Nintendo Europe fined €35m for Joy-Con drift disclosure

Nintendo of Europe will pay a €35 million fine after France’s DGCCRF found it misled customers about Joy-Con drift defects, allegedly knowing about the issue since 2018 but not disclosing it until 2020; the settlement is described as an amicable resolution and not an admission of guilt, with past related actions including a US class-action case (dismissed in 2024) and ongoing concerns over drift rates.

Canadian Couple Avoids $9,500 Diesel Charge After Rental Car Dispute
business2 months ago

Canadian Couple Avoids $9,500 Diesel Charge After Rental Car Dispute

A Canadian couple faced a $9,500 charge from Enterprise after being accused of putting diesel fuel in a rental Dodge Durango. They had receipts and photos showing they fueled with regular gasoline, and the pump used did not dispense diesel. After nine months and CBC Go Public involvement, Enterprise dropped the claim, saying it couldn't verify the fuel source. The ordeal underscores the importance of keeping receipts and may push renters to scrutinize such charges or seek alternatives.

Repair Rights Rally: Bipartisan Push to Free Up Fixes Across Devices
politics2 months ago

Repair Rights Rally: Bipartisan Push to Free Up Fixes Across Devices

A broad right-to-repair movement is gaining bipartisan momentum across states and in Congress, arguing that consumers should be able to repair their own devices, cars, and appliances. Building on New York’s 2022 act, multiple states have enacted comprehensive laws and there are 57 right-to-repair bills across 22 states this year; federal efforts like the REPAIR Act and Fair Repair Act would extend access to repair data, while industry players differ—Deere and IBM show nuanced positions and NADA remains opposed to some provisions. Supporters say it lowers costs and expands choice; critics warn of safety, cybersecurity, IP concerns, and potential data collection.

New York mandates cash acceptance for retailers starting in 2026
law3 months ago

New York mandates cash acceptance for retailers starting in 2026

New York will require stores to accept cash starting March 21, 2026, banning cashless policies or charging higher prices for cash transactions; violations can incur civil penalties up to $1,000 for a first offense and $1,500 for each subsequent offense. There are exceptions, including denominations over $20, remote/online orders not placed in-store, and cash-to-prepaid-card devices (which may not charge fees or require minimum loads above $1). Enforcement is by the Office of the Attorney General, and complaints can be filed at 1-800-771-7755.

Beef Buyers from 2014-2019 May Claim Settlement Cash
consumer-rights6 months ago

Beef Buyers from 2014-2019 May Claim Settlement Cash

Millions of Americans who purchased certain cuts of beef between 2014 and 2019 in 26 states may be eligible for a share of an $87.5 million settlement from beef processors Tyson Foods and Cargill, due to a price-fixing scheme. Eligible consumers can file claims online or by mail by June 30, without proof of purchase, to receive compensation, which aims to offset inflated beef prices caused by the alleged conspiracy.