When you buy a film digitally on a platform, you are not acquiring the product itself: it is a license to access viewing, often similar to a form of rental. This license can be updated, replaced by a different version, or even deleted if the platform from which you obtained it loses the rights to the film. Therefore, when a platform like Amazon offers a consumer the opportunity to "buy" a title, are they really buying it?
Have you ever been "bait and switched"?££££
This is precisely the question raised by a class action lawsuit filed in a federal court in Washington State against Amazon. The complaint alleges a "bait and switch" practice in which the company misleads consumers into believing they have purchased content when they are only obtaining a viewing license, revocable at any time. Specifically, the indictment accuses Amazon of misrepresenting the nature of movie and TV transactions during the purchase process.
Conversely, the fine print on Amazon's digital purchase confirmation page states: "You receive a license to the video and you agree to our terms."
Any chance for physical media?££££
The lawsuit alleges violations of unfair competition, false advertising, and consumer redress laws. He is seeking unspecified damages, as well as punitive damages for alleged intentional malicious conduct.
More and more viewers are becoming aware of these limitations, resulting in a renewed interest in physical media. To be continued.