Home / Business and Economy / Sony Bans Customer Harassment Amidst Game Disc Outcry
Sony Bans Customer Harassment Amidst Game Disc Outcry
10 Sep
Summary
- Sony Japan enacted a harassment policy protecting employees.
- The policy targets unreasonable demands, threats, and abuse.
- This follows backlash against phasing out physical game discs.
Sony Japan has established a formal customer-harassment policy to safeguard its employees, effective September 1. This measure addresses ongoing customer dissatisfaction stemming from PlayStation's planned discontinuation of physical game discs by January 2028. The policy explicitly prohibits behaviors such as persistent or unreasonable demands, abusive language, threats, and discriminatory conduct.
Employees' dignity and safety are paramount, according to the company. Sony stated that it may restrict or suspend customer service if harassment is confirmed. The company also indicated it will cooperate with legal authorities and consider criminal proceedings when appropriate, aligning with recent Japanese legislation mandating protections for workers.
The new policy comes after widespread criticism of the decision to end physical disc production by 2028. Gamers expressed concerns over losing true ownership and granting Sony excessive control. A petition opposing the move garnered hundreds of thousands of signatures. Sony remains firm on its decision, even pushing a related class-action lawsuit toward arbitration, arguing that consumers do not truly "own" digital games.
