'You'll own nothing and you'll like it': Google pulls the Lord of the Rings digital editions from one user's library, our latest reminder that digital purchases aren't always forever
One unfortunate user no longer has access to the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition after buying it from Google.
A Google user recently had their beloved Lord of the Rings movies removed from their digital library, highlighting yet another instance of digital purchases not guaranteeing lifelong ownership. This incident reflects a growing trend of digital content being yanked due to changes in licensing rules. The user, who had purchased the three Extended Editions four years ago, now finds themselves without the movies despite paying a considerable sum for them.
Google support confirmed that the films are no longer available in their catalog, adding insult to injury as the user did not receive a refund or gift card for their loss. The small print of most digital content services typically warns users about potential changes in catalog availability, a caveat that applies both to rentals and purchases.
In this case, the user was not eligible for a refund due to the purchase exceeding the 120-day window. Reddit users largely expressed dismay over the situation, with many arguing that physical media offers a more reliable alternative to digital purchases. The Reddit community suggests physical media, such as Blu-rays, as a more secure option for consumers worried about the volatility of digital content.
Written by urgent.news from TechRadar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
