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e-4965 (Justice)

E-petition
Initiated by Alexander Pacholkiw from Guelph, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • An increasing number of companies require a constant internet connection directly to the publisher for their video games to be playable;
  • When companies end support for such games, they often render all purchased copies unplayable, a practice that is uncommon with traditional games;
  • Companies may implement planned obsolescence by withholding vital components and thus preventing consumers from repairing their copies of games;
  • This practice deprives consumers of basic ownership rights while precluding restoration and preservation efforts of their games; and
  • This situation is not clearly covered under existing law, and, as such, consumer agencies are not equipped to deal with this problem.
We, the undersigned, citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
1. Pass legislation requiring publishers that sell or license video games or that sell related features and assets for said games to do the following once they end support for said games: leave their games in a functional state, and remove any mandatory connections to the publisher or affiliated parties necessary for said games to function; and
2. Have the law supersede any end-user license agreements so customers do not forfeit their rights simply by playing a game.
Open for signature
May 8, 2024, at 9:33 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
September 5, 2024, at 9:33 a.m. (EDT)
Photo - Elizabeth May
Saanich—Gulf Islands
Green Party Caucus
British Columbia