UK Consumer Rights Act: How It Protects Your Digital Purchases

The UK Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives strong protections for digital purchases. I have used it successfully to get refunds from companies that initially refused.

Digital Content Must Be of Satisfactory Quality

Under the Act, digital content (games, apps, software, ebooks, streaming) must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. If it fails any of these, you have a legal right to a refund.

The 30-Day Right to Reject

If digital content is faulty, you have 30 days from purchase to reject it and get a full refund. After 30 days but within 6 months, the seller gets one chance to repair or replace before you can demand a refund.

What I Used It For

I bought a video editing app that kept crashing. The developer refused a refund. I cited the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and explained that the app was not of satisfactory quality because it could not perform its advertised function. The seller refunded within a week.

How to Reference It

When requesting a refund, say something like: "Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, digital content must be of satisfactory quality. This product fails to meet that requirement because..." Most UK businesses take this seriously because they know they can face legal action.

Note that this applies to purchases made in the UK. If you are outside the UK, this law does not apply to you directly but mentioning strong consumer protection laws from a major market can sometimes influence international companies.