Sony faces a $2.7 billion antitrust lawsuit in the UK

Source: Engadget

Overview

A class‑action lawsuit has been filed in the UK against Sony, alleging that the company overcharged PlayStation users. The claim seeks up to £2 billion (≈ $2.7 billion) in damages for roughly 12.2 million consumers.

Details of the lawsuit

• Claim: Sony “occupies a dominant position in relation to the digital distribution of PlayStation games and in‑game content” and has been “unfairly charging its UK customers too much for digital games and in‑game content purchased through the PlayStation Store.”
• Monopoly allegation: Sony is said to have a “near monopoly” on add‑on content and digital games via the PlayStation Store, allowing it to set prices and retain a 30 % commission on sales.
• Eligibility: Anyone in the UK who owned a PlayStation console and purchased digital games or made in‑game purchases through the PlayStation Store between 19 August 2016 and 12 February 2026. The case is opt‑out, meaning eligible users are automatically included unless they explicitly withdraw.
• Potential payout: If the lawsuit succeeds, each qualified claimant could receive about £162 (≈ $217).

Sony’s defense

Sony argues that permitting downloads from third‑party stores could introduce security and privacy risks. The company also contends that the digital‑sales commission helps offset the low profit margins on its consoles, which are often sold at minimal profit.

Related antitrust action

The Sony case follows a precedent set earlier this year when the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled that Apple had abused its dominant market position and overcharged App Store users. Apple was fined £1.5 billion (≈ $2 billion) and subsequently appealed the decision in December.