It looks like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have found themselves under the knife yet again. This time around, the console trio are being scrutinised by the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA), a pro-competition regulator based in the UK.
The CMA’s investigation into the three major console manufacturers began after a “super complaint” was lodged by an advocacy group known as Citizens Advice. In its complaint, the group voiced concerns about the legality of some the companies’ business practices. Specifically, the concerns addressed the trio’s online subscription plans, and the way they handled auto-renewals and refunds.
In light of the complaint, the CMA will be reviewing all three companies and examining several issues. These issues include the fairness of the contract terms offered; the ease and convenience of cancelling a subscription or obtaining a refund; and the just how fair the auto-renewal processes of each company really is for the consumer.
Andrea Coecelli, Chief Executive of the CMA, says that should it be discovered that the companies have treated its consumers unfairly under UK consumer protection law, it will be “fully prepared to take action”.
(Source: Techspot via Gov.uk, The Guardian // Image: Techspot)
