ARTICLE · 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Sony Ordered To Pay $3.5 Million For Misrepresenting Consumer Rights

Harwood Andrews

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The ACL applies to all products sold on the Australian market to Australian consumers. Also, educate your complaints team.

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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has continued its rampage on the online marketplace industry in ACCC v Sony Interactive Entertainment Network Europe Ltd [2020] FCA 787, as it continues to vigilantly protect Australian consumers that purchase items online.

In this case, the Federal Court ordered Sony Interactive Entertainment Network Europe Ltd (Sony) to pay $3.5 million in penalties for false and misleading representations to consumers in breach of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Sony operates the PlayStation Network (PSN) and PlayStation store across a number of jurisdictions globally, including Australia. The PSN is a subscription-based service that provides online access to PlayStation users; and the PlayStation store is an online store which allows users to digitally purchase and then download videogames.

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