Sony to revoke access to 551 digital films and TV shows users already paid for
Once the change takes effect, users who previously purchased the titles will no longer be able to access or watch them, including content bought for home or mobile viewing
Sony said it will permanently remove 551 digital films and television shows from users' personal libraries beginning 1 Sept. 2026, affecting mainly PlayStation users in the United Kingdom who had previously purchased content distributed by StudioCanal through the PlayStation Store.
The company said the removals are due to "content licensing arrangements" with StudioCanal.
The move follows Sony's decision to stop selling and renting films and television content through the PlayStation Store in August 2021. The current removals suggest the company is allowing existing distribution agreements to expire rather than renewing them, says MovieWeb.
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According to the announcement, affected users will not receive refunds or compensation for content that is removed from their libraries.
Once the change takes effect, users who previously purchased the titles will no longer be able to access or watch them, including content bought for home or mobile viewing.
The list of affected titles includes films and television series across multiple genres. Among the titles are action films such as "Terminator 2: Judgment Day", "Total Recall", and "Rambo: First Blood"; award-winning films including "Apocalypse Now", "The Deer Hunter", and "Moonlight"; family titles such as "Paddington" and "Paddington 2"; and television series including "American Gods" and "Versailles".
The decision has generated criticism online and renewed debate over the nature of digital ownership. Critics say the removals highlight how digital "purchases" can function as revocable licences that remain available only while a platform maintains distribution rights.
The issue has also coincided with reports of renewed consumer interest in physical media formats such as Blu-ray discs, as some buyers seek permanent access to purchased content without the possibility of future removals from digital libraries.
