Buying digital content and services
What you need to know about buying digital content or services in Ireland?
When you buy digital content or digital services from businesses based in Ireland or the EU, you are protected by strong consumer rights. These rights apply to a wide range of digital products and services, including streaming platforms, and downloadable media.
This page explains what digital content and services are, the obligations on businesses, the information you should receive before buying and the steps to take if you experience problems.
What are digital content and digital services?
Under Irish law, digital content includes:
- Films, games, music, and e-publications that you can download or buy on a disc.
- Personalised digital items, like custom greeting cards.
- Personal information you create, such as content on your social media account.
The following are considered digital services:
- Streaming services for films, TV shows or games
- Social media accounts
- Customised online training courses in digital formats.
What must a business do when selling digital content or services?
The business must:
- Ensure the digital content or service works as described.
- Provide the most up-to-date version, unless you agree otherwise.
- Include all necessary accessories and instructions.
- Make sure the digital content or services match any advertisement, information, or trial version you have seen.
- Install the content/service correctly or provide clear installation instructions.
- Provide information on digital and security updates.
If you do not install an update provided by the business, these obligations will not apply.
If you purchased a product that has digital elements and it relies on digital content or a service to function (for example, a mobile phone requiring operating software). For more information, see the CCPC guide to buying goods.
What information should you receive from the business before buying digital content or services?
The business must give you specific information before you buy. The information should be clear and easy to understand. It should include:
- Details about the digital service (if not already clear)
- Total price (including VAT) or how the price will be calculated
- Any extra charges
- Your right to cancel (where it applies)
- Name, address and phone number of business
If there is a dispute about this, the business must prove that it provided the information. For more information on your rights, visits our section with details on buying online or at your doorstep.
What should you do if there is a problem with your digital content or service?
If a business does not meet its legal obligations, you have consumer rights. Your first step should be to contact the business directly. If the issue cannot be resolved, you can take further action. For guidance visit our section on resolving an issue with digital content and services.
