The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) is going after Sony over claims that the PlayStation company made "false or misleading statements" to Australian gamers in regards to refunds. Specifically, the ACCC said in a statement that it takes issue with Sony Europe's statement in September 2017 that the company was not required to provide refunds for downloaded games, or if two weeks had passed since the purchase.

　　"Sony Europe also allegedly told consumers it did not have to provide refunds unless the game developer told the consumer the game was irreparably faulty or otherwise authorized a refund. It also told consumers that it could provide refunds using virtual PlayStation currency instead of money," the ACCC's statement continues.

　　You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

　　Click To Unmute

　　Thompson: The Pop Culture Icon’s Strange Legacy - Loadout

　　Firearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023How Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerResident Evil 4 Adds Mercenaries and Microtransactions | GameSpot NewsFallout: New Vegas 2 Rumors Explained | GameSpotApril Xbox Game Pass Games Revealed | GameSpot NewsOver 15 Free Games To Claim In April | GameSpot NewsNew Witcher Game Plans Have Changed | GameSpot NewsElden Ring Death Count Revealed | GameSpot News

　　Share

　　LinkEmbed

　　Size:640 × 360480 × 270

　　Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop

　　Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

　　Sign up or Sign in now!

　　Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

　　This video has an invalid file format.

　　00:00:00

　　HTML5

　　Auto HD High Low

　　Report a problem

　　Sorry, but you can't access this content!

Please enter your date of birth to view this video

　　By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

　　Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

　　enter

　　Now Playing: PS5 Price Will Be "Appealing" - GS News Update

　　The ACCC says these claims are "false or misleading." Under Australian Consumer Law, consumers are entitled to a refund, repair, or replacement "if a product is faulty because it is not of acceptable quality, is not fit for purpose or does not match descriptions made by the businesses, depending on the seriousness of the fault." Sony is running afoul to this with its refund policy, the ACCC says.

　　"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 in a statement. "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."

　　He added: "Consumers who buy digital products online have exactly the same rights as they would at a physical store. 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."

　　Further still, the ACCC says Sony Europe made a statement in October 2017 that its own liability to provide a refund for faulty products was "limited," but the ACCC says this is not true. According to Australian Consumer Law, all businesses that operate in Australia must comply. This is the same argument that the ACCC used against Valve over that company's refund policy. Valve ended up paying a $3 million fine related to the ACCC's campaign, and a notice is now posted on Steam's Australian store that outlines the refund policy.

　　"No matter where in the world a company has its headquarters, if it is selling to Australian consumers, the Australian Consumer Law applies," Sims said.

　　The ACCC is demanding that Sony make good to consumers with "pecuniary penalties, injunctions, declarations, correctives, and costs."

　　You can read the full complaint against Sony here on the ACCC's website [PDF]. This action comes amid rumors of Sony preparing to officially announce the PlayStation 5.