Sony Interactive Entertainment can terminate PlayStation Network accounts inactive for 3 years in compliance with EU data protection law.
As of April, 2026, Sony Interactive Entertainment has updated its Terms of Service, with Section 21 now mentioning that PlayStation Network accounts may be closed after 3 years of inactivity. Once action has been taken, it is irreversible, meaning that the affected user will permanently lose access to their entire library of purchased digital games, downloadable content, and other digital entitlements associated with that account.
The revised Terms of Service states, “If you have not used your Account for at least 36 months we may take steps to close it. In that case, we will contact you via the email address registered to your Account and give you 6 months to either log in to your Account or contact us and tell us to keep your Account open.”
Sony Interactive Entertainment won’t immediately delete inactive PlayStation Network accounts, however. Instead, affected users will receive an email notification and have a 6-month grace period to either sign in or inform the company that they wish to keep the account active. However, as mentioned earlier, once an account is closed, the decision cannot be undone. The revised Terms of Service states, “After your Account is closed, you will not be able to access the PlayStation Online Services or use the Digital Products purchased with that Account. Account closure is irreversible.”
The timing is specially concerning, as the Terms of Service was updated shortly before Sony Interactive Entertainment announced its decision to discontinue physical game discs for all new PlayStation releases beginning in January 2028. After that date, new PlayStation games will be sold exclusively through the PlayStation Store and participating digital retailers. According to the console maker, this decision is based on changing consumer preferences, noting that demand for digital purchases now far exceeds physical media.
