PlayStation sparks outrage over locking games behind new 30-day online login policy

ALBAWABA - Sony recently sparked outrage among gamers after the Japanese tech giant reportedly rolled out a new policy that requires PlayStation 4 and 5 users to connect their consoles to the internet every 30 days to access their digitally owned games. 

Reports state that if a player fails to connect their console to the internet, they will reportedly get locked out of the game they already own. This comes after multiple users noticed that a "30-day timer" is being applied to new purchases via the PlayStation Store, citing a customer service AI bot. 

In response, according to Pirate Nation on X (formerly Twitter), PlayStation Support confirmed that the new policy is intentional rather than a glitch.

PlayStation sparks outrage over locking games behind new 30-day online login policy

Posting here as well just in case people call it fake pic.twitter.com/P19KTqFkK2

— One Man Tourist (@onemantourist) April 27, 2026

The user wrote, "Starting with any digital games purchased after the March 2026 system update, your PS5 will require an internet connection at least once every 30 days to validate the license. If the console stays offline longer than that, the games simply will not launch until you reconnect."

Reports add that the new policy will only be implemented for digital games purchased after March 2026 under the digital rights management (DRM) policy.

This sparked outrage and concern among social media users, with many pointing out that it has become impossible for individuals to own their media in 2026. 

A social media user wrote on X, "This is genuinely terrifying. Do you guys not see what's happening? Your rights are being stripped from you. You are a permanent RENTER. Not an OWNER. You are being dehumaned. YOU MUST HOARD YOUR PHYSICAL MEDIA. DO NOT SELL IT TO GAMESTOP. DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT."

Another added, "The EU regulations can't come soon enough. Thank you #StopKillingGames."