Summary:
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New Legal Requirement
In response to California’s AB2426 law, Valve has updated its checkout page to inform users that when they purchase a game on Steam, they are actually buying a license to use the product, not the game itself. -
California’s Law
This law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 26, aims to combat misleading advertising of digital goods. It prohibits sellers from using terms like “buy” or “purchase” that imply full ownership and requires clear communication that the product is a license. -
Changes to Checkout Process
Now, before completing a transaction, users will see a notice on the Steam checkout page stating, “A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam.” This change is designed to make the licensing agreement more transparent to consumers. -
Previous Clarifications
Although Valve’s End User License Agreement (EULA) previously stated that purchases are licenses that cannot be resold, this message is now more visible to all customers during the purchase process. -
Future Implications
This update may lead to broader discussions about ownership rights and licensing in the digital marketplace, affecting how users perceive their purchases across various platforms.
Read more at: Ars Technica