Sony receives Shonky Award for digital licensing practices

Sony has been inducted into the 2026 Hall of Shame by Choice, an Australian consumer advocacy organization, receiving the Shonky Award. The organization criticized the company for its digital business model, stating that Sony asks customers to “pay to play, but not own.”

Choice highlighted that when consumers purchase digital movies or games through platforms like the PlayStation Store, they are acquiring a license to access content rather than permanent ownership. This distinction became a major point of contention following an announcement in June 2026, when Sony stated that a licensing agreement with StudioCanal would end in the UK and Europe. This move resulted in the removal of over 500 movies and television programs from consumers' digital libraries, including titles that users had previously purchased.

Additional controversies cited by the organization include Sony's plans to move away from physical game discs and changes to the PlayStation ecosystem, such as the discontinuation of support for older hardware like the PS3 and Vita.