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{{CompanyCargo
{{InfoboxCompany
|Description=Japanese technology conglomerate known for brands such as Sony Pictures, Sony Music Publishing, PlayStation, and XPERIA.
| Name = SONY
|Founded=1946
| Type = Public
|Industry=Conglomerate, Photography equipment, Audio equipment, Home electronics, Video games
| Founded = 1946
|Logo=Sony.svg
| Industry = Conglomerate
|ParentCompany=
| Official Website = https://sony.com/
|Type=Public
| Logo = Sony.svg
|Website=https://sony.com/
}}
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Sony|Sony Group Corporation]]''' is a Japanese Zaibatsu (or mega corporation) headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.<ref>"[https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/Data/Map/ Access & Map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416150015/https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/Data/Map/|date=2021-04-16}}." Sony Global. Retrieved 2 April 2021. "1–7–1 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075, Japan" – [https://web.archive.org/web/20120227050438/http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/Data/Map/map_head_office.pdf Map] – [https://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/SMOJ-info/Profile.html Address in Japanese] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926182046/https://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/SMOJ-info/Profile.html|date=2023-09-26}}: "〒108-0075 東京都港区港南1–7–1"</ref> The Sony Group Corporation owns over 100 companies including, but not limited to Sony Semiconductor Solutions, Sony Entertainment (including Sony Pictures and Sony Music Group), Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Financial Group, and Crunchyroll.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of acquisitions by Sony |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_acquisitions_by_Sony |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Wikipedia]]}}</ref>
'''[[wikipedia:Sony|Sony Group Corporation]]''' is a Japanese Zaibatsu (or mega corporation) headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.<ref>"[https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/Data/Map/ Access & Map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416150015/https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/Data/Map/|date=2021-04-16}}." Sony Global. Retrieved 2 April 2021. "1–7–1 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075, Japan" – [https://web.archive.org/web/20120227050438/https://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/Data/Map/map_head_office.pdf Map] – [https://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/SMOJ-info/Profile.html Address in Japanese] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926182046/https://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/SMOJ-info/Profile.html|date=2023-09-26}}: "〒108-0075 東京都港区港南1–7–1"</ref> The Sony Group Corporation owns over 100 companies including, but not limited to Sony Semiconductor Solutions, Sony Entertainment (including Sony Pictures and Sony Music Group), Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Financial Group, and Crunchyroll.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of acquisitions by Sony |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_acquisitions_by_Sony |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320063035/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_acquisitions_by_Sony |archive-date=20 Mar 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Wikipedia]]}}</ref>


Sony was established in 1946 as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony]]}}</ref> The young company distinguished itself in the consumer electronics market with transistor radios, home video tape recorders, portable audio players called the Walkman, and compact disk players.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sony History |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/SonyHistory/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony]]}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> In 1988, Sony acquired CBS Records.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Corporate History |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/company/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony]]}}</ref> Later, in 1989 it acquired Columbia Pictures.<ref name=":1" /> The company also introduced the home video game console [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] in 1994.<ref name=":1" />
Sony was established in 1946 as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204161638/https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/ |archive-date=4 Feb 2026|access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony]]}}</ref> The young company distinguished itself in the consumer electronics market with transistor radios, home video tape recorders, portable audio players called the Walkman, and compact disk players.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sony History |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/SonyHistory/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251014201041/https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/SonyHistory/ |archive-date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony]]}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> In 1988, Sony acquired CBS Records.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Corporate History |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/company/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260108000436/https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/company/ |archive-date=8 Jan 2026|access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony]]}}</ref> Later, in 1989 it acquired Columbia Pictures.<ref name=":1" /> The company also introduced the home video game console [[PlayStation]] in 1994.<ref name=":1" />


==Consumer impact summary==
==Consumer impact summary==
Sony has found itself involved in many controversies in the past, most commonly consumer rights and management of digital content issues. They have included instances such as Sony BMG rootkit in 2005, where copy protection software tracked users in secret and added security holes, which were the target of lawsuits and recalls. Sony has also had run-ins with digital content access, like trying to close down the PlayStation Store on older systems and removing "forever" licenses on Funimation content, which was met with pushback and reversal.
Sony has found itself involved in many controversies in the past, most commonly consumer rights and management of digital content issues. They have included instances such as Sony BMG rootkit in 2005, where copy protection software tracked users in secret and added security holes, which were the target of lawsuits and recalls. Sony has also had run-ins with digital content access, like trying to close down the PlayStation Store on older systems and removing "forever" licenses on Funimation content, which was met with pushback and reversal.


More recently, the mandatory PSN account requirement mandated by Sony in Helldivers 2 and binding arbitration provisions in Crunchyroll's terms of service have been criticized as restrictive of user choice and access.
More recently, the [[wikipedia:PlayStation_Network|PlayStation Network]] (PSN) [[Forced account|account requirement]] mandated by Sony in ''Helldivers 2'' and binding arbitration provisions in Crunchyroll's terms of service have been criticized as restrictive of user choice and access.
 
==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
 
===Sued by Texas state over ACR data collection (''2025 - Present):''===
{{Main|Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection}}
On 15 December 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Sony,<ref name="petition-sony">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=State of Texas v. Sony Electronics Inc., Original Petition |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Sony%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120093757/https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Sony%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |archive-date=20 Jan 2026 |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |format=PDF}}</ref> alleging that the manufacturer failed to adequately disclose the data collection capabilities of {{Wplink|automatic content recognition}} (ACR) technology in their smart televisions<ref name="arstechnica">{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2025 |title=Texas sues biggest TV makers, alleging smart TVs spy on users without consent |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251228170241/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-date=28 Dec 2025|access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Ars Technica}}</ref>. The lawsuit, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, allege that ACR technology captures screenshots of television displays at frequent intervals and that the resulting viewing data is sold to advertisers and data brokers without meaningful consumer consent.<ref name="txag-main">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=Attorney General Paxton Sues Five Major TV Companies, Including Some with Ties to CCP, for Spying on Texans |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260123003535/https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |archive-date=23 Jan 2026 |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General}}</ref>


==Controversies==<!-- add a preamble here -->
==Controversies==<!-- add a preamble here -->
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Controversy
!Year
!Background Info
!Aftermath
!Related Article
!Related Video(s)
|-
|Sony BMG CD copy protection {{wplink|rootkit}}
|2005
|Sony BMG distributed about 20 million discs preloaded with copy protection software that tracks the users listening habits (even if the user did not agree to the [[EULA]]), hides itself, and introduces exploitable bugs. As such it has been classified as a rootkit.
Furthermore, they released an uninstaller tool later that merely un-hides their original rootkit and installs more un-removable software, all while extracting more personal information (e-mail addresses) from users.
|Class action lawsuits in 2005-2006 forced Sony to recall about 10% of affected CDs. Sony stopped their copy protection attempts in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sony's DRM protected CDs install Windows rootkits |url=https://en.m.wikinews.org/wiki/Sony%27s_DRM_protected_CDs_install_Windows_rootkits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708193020/https://en.m.wikinews.org/wiki/Sony's_DRM_protected_CDs_install_Windows_rootkits |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Wikinews]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Revisiting the Sony Rootkit |url=https://fsfe.org/activities/drm/sony-rootkit-fiasco.en.html#restrictions-pictures |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406125851/https://fsfe.org/activities/drm/sony-rootkit-fiasco.en.html#restrictions |archive-date=6 Apr 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[fsfe]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CD’s Containing XCP Content Protection Technology |url=https://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/english/titles.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224153240/https://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/english/titles.html |archive-date=24 Dec 2008 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony BMG]]}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|Mandatory data collection on PC ports
|2020-ongoing
|
|
|
|
|-
|Revocation of "Forever" licenses to {{wplink|Funimation}} digital content
|2024
|After merging Funimation with {{wplink|Crunchyroll, LLC|Crunchyroll}}, Sony revoked all licenses to digital content that had been advertised as "forever" licenses without providing a refund or reimbursement.
|Some users received free months of service for the new Crunchyroll platform, but only if they submitted a ticket.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=26 Feb 2024 |title=Funimation’s solution for wiping out digital libraries could be good, if it works |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/26/24080637/funimation-shut-down-crunchyroll-digital-library-compensation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226153946/https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/26/24080637/funimation-shut-down-crunchyroll-digital-library-compensation |archive-date=26 Feb 2024 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref>
|[[Funimation "Forever" Content License Revocation]]
|
|-
|Crunchyroll January 2025 Terms of Service Update
|2025
|Sony forced users of Crunchyroll into binding arbitration by updating their terms of service and without providing an easy way to opt-out.
|TBD
|[[Crunchyroll January 2025 Terms of Service Update]]
|
|-
|Camera monitor on Xperia phones turned into subscription
|2025
|Sony disabled External Monitor feature with software update on Xperia phones and turned it into subscription
|TBD
|[[Sony Xperia turns camera monitor into subscription]]
|<ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqPfM6lxv90 ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=PqPfM6lxv90 Archived])</ref>
|}
===Sony's Playstation controversies===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+
Line 32: Line 85:
|2004
|2004
|Warranty void if removed stickers are illegal under the [[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act|Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975]]., but are nonetheless used by the company.
|Warranty void if removed stickers are illegal under the [[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act|Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975]]., but are nonetheless used by the company.
Such stickers existed at least on [https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/kuhibAgUoeTpUmSh.huge PS Two] models to prevent users from opening the console (the sticker was on top of a screw).
Such stickers existed at least on [https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/kuhibAgUoeTpUmSh.huge PlayStation 2] models to prevent users from opening the console (the sticker was on top of a screw).
|
|
|
|
|-
|Sony BMG CD copy protection {{wplink|rootkit}}
|2005
|Sony BMG distributed about 20 million discs preloaded with copy protection software that tracks the users listening habits (even if the user did not agree to the [[EULA]]), hides itself, and introduces exploitable bugs. As such it has been classified as a rootkit.
Furthermore, they released an uninstaller tool later that merely un-hides their original rootkit and installs more un-removable software, all while extracting more personal information (e-mail addresses) from users.
|Class action lawsuits in 2005-2006 forced Sony to recall about 10% of affected CDs. Sony stopped their copy protection attempts in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sony's DRM protected CDs install Windows rootkits |url=https://en.m.wikinews.org/wiki/Sony%27s_DRM_protected_CDs_install_Windows_rootkits |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Wikinews]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Revisiting the Sony Rootkit |url=https://fsfe.org/activities/drm/sony-rootkit-fiasco.en.html#restrictions-pictures |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[fsfe]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CD’s Containing XCP Content Protection Technology |url=http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/english/titles.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224153240/http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/english/titles.html |archive-date=24 Dec 2008 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony BMG]]}}</ref>
|
|
|
|
Line 47: Line 92:
|PlayStation 3 "Yellow Light of Death"
|PlayStation 3 "Yellow Light of Death"
|2006-2009
|2006-2009
|Due to a likely defect in the 90nm graphic processing units (GPUs) of early PlayStation 3s,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=HelpForPS3 (Reuploader) |last2=BBC |date=17 Dec 2009 |title=Sony PS3 Yellow Light of Death - BBC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_ef8bDQktI |url-status=live |access-date=3 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=RIP Felix |date=15 Jan 2024 |title=A 360 Story - The RED Ring of Death & the 7th Generation Console War |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qKtS_uxdcU |url-status=live |access-date=2 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=RIP Felix |date=23 Dec 2022 |title=A PS3 Story: The Yellow Light of Death |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za7WTNwAX0c |url-status=live |access-date=2 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref> these models are extremely prone to GPU failures.
|Due to a likely defect in the 90nm graphic processing units (GPUs) of early PlayStation 3s,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=HelpForPS3 (Reuploader) |last2=BBC |date=17 Dec 2009 |title=Sony PS3 Yellow Light of Death - BBC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_ef8bDQktI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=E_ef8bDQktI |archive-date=4 Feb 2026 |access-date=3 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=RIP Felix |date=15 Jan 2024 |title=A 360 Story - The RED Ring of Death & the 7th Generation Console War |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qKtS_uxdcU |url-status=live |access-date=2 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=RIP Felix |date=23 Dec 2022 |title=A PS3 Story: The Yellow Light of Death |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za7WTNwAX0c |url-status=live |access-date=2 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref> these models are extremely prone to GPU failures.
Affected models (with a 90nm GPU) include: CECHA, CECHB, CECHC, CECHE, and CECHG.
Affected models (with a 90nm GPU) include: CECHA, CECHB, CECHC, CECHE, and CECHG.
|TBD; Sony never made a response beyond dodging and denial of the issue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BBC |date=18 Sep 2009 |title=Sony rebuts BBC PlayStation claim |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8263063.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219154020/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8263063.stm |archive-date=19 Feb 2025 |access-date=4 Jun 2025 |website=BBC NEWS}}</ref> Consumers whose consoles had this problem- even when Sony was supporting the console- had to pay out of pocket to repair it.<ref name=":2" />
|TBD; Sony never made a response beyond dodging and denial of the issue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BBC |date=18 Sep 2009 |title=Sony rebuts BBC PlayStation claim |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8263063.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219154020/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8263063.stm |archive-date=19 Feb 2025 |access-date=4 Jun 2025 |website=BBC NEWS}}</ref> Consumers whose consoles had this problem- even when Sony was supporting the console- had to pay out of pocket to repair it.<ref name=":2" />
|[[Bumpgate]]
|[[Bumpgate]]
[[PlayStation 3 "Yellow Light of Death"]]
|
|
|-
|-
|PlayStation 3 Blu-Ray AACS License Renewal
|PlayStation 3 Blu-Ray AACS License Renewal
|2006
|2006
|The Advanced Access Content System (AACS) encryption key of Sony PlayStation 3 devices must be renewed every 12 to 18 months via software updates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Renewing the AACS encryption key |url=https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/video/aacs.html |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation]]}}</ref>
|The Advanced Access Content System (AACS) encryption key of Sony PlayStation 3 devices must be renewed every 12 to 18 months via software updates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Renewing the AACS encryption key |url=https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/video/aacs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319144013/https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/video/aacs.html |archive-date=19 Mar 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation]]}}</ref>
|TBD.  At some point, software updates will no longer be released, which will eventually lock out users from this functionality.
|TBD.  At some point, software updates will no longer be released, which will eventually lock out users from this functionality.
|
|
Line 62: Line 108:
|PlayStation 3 Removal of OtherOS with System Update 3.21
|PlayStation 3 Removal of OtherOS with System Update 3.21
|2010
|2010
|PlayStation 3 systems supported a feature known as "OtherOS" until system update 3.21 on April 1, 2010 with Sony stating it was removed due to "security concerns".<ref>{{Cite web |title=PS3 Firmware 3.21 Coming April 1st |url=https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2010/03/29/ps3-firmware-3-21-coming-april-1st/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=[[PlayStation Blog]]}}</ref> Prior to the release of the PS3 slim in November 2009, Sony stated that the slim would not support this feature that was available on the current PS3 models still available for sale.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4842&NewsAreaID=2 |title=SCEE PS3 Slim press release |access-date=2025-08-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822130523/http://www.scee.presscentre.com/content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4842 |archive-date=August 22, 2009 }}</ref>
|PlayStation 3 systems supported a feature known as "OtherOS" until system update 3.21 on April 1, 2010 with Sony stating it was removed due to "security concerns".<ref>{{Cite web |title=PS3 Firmware 3.21 Coming April 1st |url=https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2010/03/29/ps3-firmware-3-21-coming-april-1st/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828213927/https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2010/03/29/ps3-firmware-3-21-coming-april-1st/ |archive-date=28 Aug 2025 |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=[[PlayStation Blog]]}}</ref> Prior to the release of the PS3 slim in November 2009, Sony stated that the slim would not support this feature that was available on the current PS3 models still available for sale.<ref>{{cite web |title=SCEE PS3 Slim press release |url=https://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4842&NewsAreaID=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822130523/https://www.scee.presscentre.com/content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4842 |archive-date=August 22, 2009 |access-date=2025-08-16}}</ref>
|Class action lawsuit, with a $3.75 million settlement in 2018, with people receiving up to $10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gearnuke.com/sony-sending-10-settlement-checks-for-ps3-other-os-lawsuit/ |title=Sony sending $10 settlement checks for PS3 “Other OS” lawsuit |access-date=2025-08-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114062814/https://www.gearnuke.com/sony-sending-10-settlement-checks-for-ps3-other-os-lawsuit/ |archive-date=November 14, 2018 }}</ref>
|Class action lawsuit, with a $3.75 million settlement in 2018, with people receiving up to $10.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sony sending $10 settlement checks for PS3 “Other OS” lawsuit |url=https://www.gearnuke.com/sony-sending-10-settlement-checks-for-ps3-other-os-lawsuit/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114062814/https://www.gearnuke.com/sony-sending-10-settlement-checks-for-ps3-other-os-lawsuit/ |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |access-date=2025-08-16}}</ref>
|
|[[PlayStation 3 Removal of OtherOS with System Update 3.21]]
|
|
|-
|-
|Sony Playstaytion hardware bans
|Sony Playstation hardware bans
|2011-ongoing
|2011-ongoing
|Sony is banning gaming consoles on hardware level from accessing Playstation Network online services for "vioation of terms of service", which makes modern game consoles useless piece of junk
|Sony is banning gaming consoles on hardware level from accessing Playstation Network online services for "violation of terms of service", which makes modern game consoles useless piece of junk
|
|
|[[Sony Playstaytion hardware bans from online services]]
|[[Sony Playstation hardware bans from online services]]
|
|
|-
|-
|-
|{{wplink|Helldivers 2}} PSN Account Requirement post launch
|Mandatory data collection on PC ports
|2024
|2020-ongoing
|Sony added a {{wplink|PlayStation Network|PSN account}} requirement for Helldivers 2 after the game had become popular, including for countries where you can't create a PSN account.
|
|The requirement was removed,<ref>https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/553850/view/4196868529806518741 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260217120939/https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/553850/view/4196868529806518741 Archived])</ref> however the game was removed from sale in countries without PSN.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Serin |first=Kaan |date=11 May 2024 |title=Helldivers 2 gets delisted in more countries without PSN access, blindsided devs call for it to be "available worldwide" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/third-person-shooter/helldivers-2-gets-delisted-in-more-countries-without-psn-access-blindsided-devs-call-for-it-to-be-available-worldwide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511102905/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/third-person-shooter/helldivers-2-gets-delisted-in-more-countries-without-psn-access-blindsided-devs-call-for-it-to-be-available-worldwide/ |archive-date=11 May 2024 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[GamesRadar]]}}</ref>
|
|[[PlayStation Network Account Requirement for PC Games]]
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2VA0eum6w4 ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=I2VA0eum6w4 Archived])</ref>
|
|-
|-
|PlayStation Store Shutdown
|PlayStation Store Shutdown
|2021
|2021
|Sony intended to shut down the PlayStation Store on its {{wplink|PlayStation 3|PS3}}, {{wplink|PlayStation Vita|PS Vita}}, and {{wplink|PlayStation Portable|PSP}} consoles, despite many of the content offerings not being available on newer consoles.
|Sony intended to shut down the PlayStation Store on its {{wplink|PlayStation 3|PS3}}, {{wplink|PlayStation Vita|PS Vita}}, and {{wplink|PlayStation Portable|PSP}} consoles, despite many of the content offerings not being available on newer consoles.
|Sony walked back the decision for the PS3 and PS Vita, citing the negative response from customers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Jim |date=19 Apr 2021 |title=PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita Will Continue Operations |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2021/04/19/playstation-store-on-ps3-and-ps-vita-will-continue-operations/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation Blog]]}}</ref>
|Sony walked back the decision for the PS3 and PS Vita, citing the negative response from customers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Jim |date=19 Apr 2021 |title=PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita Will Continue Operations |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2021/04/19/playstation-store-on-ps3-and-ps-vita-will-continue-operations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419170146/https://blog.playstation.com/2021/04/19/playstation-store-on-ps3-and-ps-vita-will-continue-operations/ |archive-date=19 Apr 2021 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation Blog]]}}</ref>
|
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|2023
|2023
|Sony intended to remove customers' access to "purchased" Discovery Channel content at the end of their licensing agreements.
|Sony intended to remove customers' access to "purchased" Discovery Channel content at the end of their licensing agreements.
|Sony reversed the decision, allowing customers to continue accessing the content.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Dec 2023 |title=Legal update notice |url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psvideocontent/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation]]}}</ref>
|Sony reversed the decision, allowing customers to continue accessing the content.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Dec 2023 |title=Legal update notice |url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psvideocontent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201155935/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psvideocontent/ |archive-date=1 Dec 2023 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation]]}}</ref>
|[[Sony's attempted removal of "purchased" content]]
|[[Sony's attempted removal of "purchased" content]]
|<ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bpzyz5kf_A</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krXH8jXefqE</ref>
|<ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bpzyz5kf_A ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=6bpzyz5kf_A Archived])</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krXH8jXefqE ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=krXH8jXefqE Archived])</ref>
|-
|{{wplink|Helldivers 2}} PSN Account Requirement post launch
|2024
|Sony added a {{wplink|PlayStation Network|PSN account}} requirement for Helldivers 2 after the game had become popular, including for countries where you can't create a PSN account.
|The requirement was removed,<ref>https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/553850/view/4196868529806518741</ref> however the game was removed from sale in countries without PSN.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Serin |first=Kaan |date=11 May 2024 |title=Helldivers 2 gets delisted in more countries without PSN access, blindsided devs call for it to be "available worldwide" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/third-person-shooter/helldivers-2-gets-delisted-in-more-countries-without-psn-access-blindsided-devs-call-for-it-to-be-available-worldwide/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[GamesRadar]]}}</ref>
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2VA0eum6w4</ref>
|-
|-
|PSN Account Requirement for PC Games
|PSN Account Requirement for PC Games
|2024-ongoing
|2024-ongoing
|Sony requires a PSN account be made or used for Playstation games ported to PC and sold on the PC, including games that were solely single player such as Last of Us Part 2<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ariyasinghe |first=Pulasthi |date=2024-11-09 |title=PSN account requirement on PC is there to keep gamers safe, explains Sony |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/psn-account-requirement-on-pc-is-there-to-keep-gamers-safe-explains-sony/ |website=Neowin}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Michael |date=2024-09-25 |title=Sony Not Backing Down on PSN PC Requirement Despite Backlash |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/09/25/sony-psn-login-required-horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-pc/ |website=PlayStation Lifestyle}}</ref>.
|Sony requires a PSN account be made or used for Playstation games ported to PC and sold on the PC, including games that were solely single player such as Last of Us Part 2<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ariyasinghe |first=Pulasthi |date=2024-11-09 |title=PSN account requirement on PC is there to keep gamers safe, explains Sony |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/psn-account-requirement-on-pc-is-there-to-keep-gamers-safe-explains-sony/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109203247/https://www.neowin.net/news/psn-account-requirement-on-pc-is-there-to-keep-gamers-safe-explains-sony/ |archive-date=9 Nov 2024 |website=Neowin}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Michael |date=2024-09-25 |title=Sony Not Backing Down on PSN PC Requirement Despite Backlash |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/09/25/sony-psn-login-required-horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-pc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925175510/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/09/25/sony-psn-login-required-horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-pc/ |archive-date=25 Sep 2024 |website=PlayStation Lifestyle}}</ref>.
|In January 2025 Sony removed this requirement for some games and instead offered players benefits to use PSN. However the restriction remains for other Sony games such as Until Dawn.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Qizilbash |first=Asad |date=2025-01-29 |title=New in-game content incentives coming to PlayStation games on PC |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/29/new-in-game-content-incentives-coming-to-playstation-games-on-pc/ |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony - PlayStation Blog}}</ref>
|In January 2025 Sony removed this requirement for some games and instead offered players benefits to use PSN. However the restriction remains for other Sony games such as Until Dawn.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Qizilbash |first=Asad |date=2025-01-29 |title=New in-game content incentives coming to PlayStation games on PC |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/29/new-in-game-content-incentives-coming-to-playstation-games-on-pc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129163956/https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/29/new-in-game-content-incentives-coming-to-playstation-games-on-pc/ |archive-date=29 Jan 2025 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony - PlayStation Blog}}</ref>
|[[PlayStation Network Account Requirement for PC Games]]
|
|
|-
|PlayStation restricts how developers can give upgrades to "PS5" editions
|2025
|Sony have restricted how and what developers can offer people upgrading from a PS4 edition to a PS5 edition of a game post launch.
|Sony has continued this practices without a proper response
|[[PlayStation restricts how developers can give upgrades to "PS5" editions]]
|
|
|-
|-
|Revocation of "Forever" licenses to {{wplink|Funimation}} digital content
|PlayStation dynamic prices
|2024
|2025 -ongoing
|After merging Funimation with {{wplink|Crunchyroll, LLC|Crunchyroll}}, Sony revoked all licenses to digital content that had been advertised as "forever" licenses without providing a refund or reimbursement.
|Sony has been reportedly testing dynamic pricing on the PlayStation Store for months.
|Some users received free months of service for the new Crunchyroll platform, but only if they submitted a ticket.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=26 Feb 2024 |title=Funimation’s solution for wiping out digital libraries could be good, if it works |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/26/24080637/funimation-shut-down-crunchyroll-digital-library-compensation |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref>
 
|[[Funimation "Forever" Content License Revocation]]
That's according to PSPrices, which claims that Sony has been running an A/B testing experiment that shows different prices to different users since November 2025.
 
In the first four months, the experiment grew from just 50 games in 30 regions to now over 190 games in more than 70 regions.  
 
overall some users are paying 27% more for the same game.
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|Crunchyroll January 2025 Terms of Service Update
|PlayStation Lease with Flex
|2025
|2026
|Sony forced users of Crunchyroll into binding arbitration by updating their terms of service and without providing an easy way to opt-out.
|Unlike traditional installment purchases that lead to eventual ownership, Flex and other leasing models do not result in the consumer owning the console outright. Once the contract term ends, the hardware must be returned regardless of payments already made, or the consumer must enter a separate purchase negotiation. If payments stop early, the consumer loses access to the device without having worked toward ownership
|TBD
|
|[[Crunchyroll January 2025 Terms of Service Update]]
|[[PlayStation Lease with Flex]]
|
|
|-
|Camera monitor on Xperia phones turned into subscription
|2025
|Sony disabled External Monitor feature with software update on Xperia phones and turned it into subscription
|TBD
|[[Sony Xperia turns camera monitor into subscription]]
|<ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqPfM6lxv90</ref>
|}
|}


Line 137: Line 181:
*[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds|Sony WF-1000XM4]]
*[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds|Sony WF-1000XM4]]
*Sony WH-1000XM5
*Sony WH-1000XM5
===Gaming Consoles:===
*[[wikipedia:PlayStation_(console)|PlayStation]]
*[[wikipedia:PlayStation_2|PlayStation 2]]
*[[wikipedia:PlayStation_Portable|PlayStation Portable]]
*[[wikipedia:PlayStation_3|PlayStation 3]]
*[[wikipedia:PlayStation_Vita|PlayStation Vita]]
*[[wikipedia:PlayStation_4|PlayStation 4]]
*[[wikipedia:PlayStation_5|PlayStation 5]]


===Televisions:===
===Televisions:===
*[[Sony x900h television|Sony X900H]]
*[[Sony x900h television|Sony X900H]]
===Consoles:===
*Playstation
*Playstation 2
*Playstation 3
*Playstation 4
*Playstation 5


==References==
==References==
Retrieved from "https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Sony"