The alarm over Sony's Internet connectivity rules for digital games

Sony has recently implemented several updates to its PS4 and PS5 consoles in order to close security gaps that allowed unauthorized access to games.

However, this action has generated an unexpected controversy related to access to digital games, thanks to a new digital rights management system that requires users to connect their consoles to the Internet at least once every 30 days in order to play.

Sony quiet

According to McDonald, digital games purchased since March 2026 now have a Validity Period that prevents their use if the console is not connected to the Network within the established timeframe. Although the issue affects many users, not everyone has experienced the same message, suggesting some inconsistency in its implementation.

A source close to Sony indicated that the problem could be an accidental error in their attempt to improve security, recalling a similar incident that occurred in 2022. However, the alarm has resurfaced at a critical moment, as the debate over the nature of ownership of digital games versus physical ones intensifies, with discussions already taking place in the European Parliament on this issue.

The reaction has led to comparisons with Microsoft’s failed attempt to introduce a similar system on Xbox One in 2013, which resulted in massive rejection from users. With the imminent shutdown of some services on PS4, the gaming community finds itself in a position of uncertainty and concern due to the lack of clarity from Sony, which has yet to issue an official statement regarding the situation.