Sony has introduced a new harassment policy that could see vocal critics of its decision to end PlayStation 5 disc production face legal action, including potential criminal proceedings. The move comes amid sustained backlash from fans who have flooded Sony's promotional posts with objections since the company announced in July 2026 that physical PS5 discs would be phased out. While framed as protection against genuine harassment, the policy's broad wording has raised concerns it could be used to silence persistent, legitimate criticism.

The policy bans clearly harmful conduct such as threats, abusive language, discrimination and attacks on staff, but also prohibits vaguer behaviours including "persistent and repeated, or prolonged, demands", "requests unrelated to products or services" and "demands against employees" — phrasing that closely matches how disgruntled fans have been campaigning. Sony says violators risk restricted or suspended customer service, and in serious cases the company may involve law enforcement and pursue legal action. Sony has not commented further, and the policy arrives as the firm separately defends a class-action lawsuit arguing that consumers do not truly own their digital games, a point of particular concern given discs are due to disappear by 2028.