Sony to fight £2 billion UK class action over PlayStation Store pricing allegations
Sony will defend a £2 billion lawsuit in the UK alleging overcharges on PlayStation Store downloads affecting 12.2 million users.Summary
Sony is preparing to fight a £2 billion class action lawsuit in the UK, brought by consumer champion Alex Neill on behalf of approximately 12.2 million PlayStation users. The lawsuit alleges that Sony imposed “excessive and unfair” charges on digital downloads from the PlayStation Store. The claim argues that Sony’s prohibition of rival download systems and its 30% commission on digital purchases, passed on to consumers, are anti-competitive.
Sony defends its distribution model by citing security and privacy risks associated with third-party stores, and argues that digital commissions help subsidize the low margins on console hardware. The case is being heard by the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London and follows similar lawsuits against Apple and Qualcomm.
If successful, claimants could receive around £162 each, totaling nearly £2 billion including interest. The trial is scheduled to begin on March 10th, and the lawsuit covers purchases made over approximately ten years up to February of this year.
(Source：CNBC TV18)