The “Buy” Button Is a Lie

The death of ownership is the real digital bait and switch.

Streaming service homepage showing a dark grid of movie thumbnails and category headings like "Audience and critic approved: 7.0+ on IMDb" and "New release movies," with visible posters for films including Superman, Guns Up, Jurassic World, Ballerina, How to Train Your Dragon, The Life of Chuck, Sinners, The Ruse, The Spinal Tap, The Meg, The Phoenician Scheme, and The Last Journey.

When Lisa Reingold bought Bella and the Bulldogs, Volume 4 for $20.79 on Amazon, she expected to have it in her digital library. Not a copy that expires, not a subscription, not a temporary lease. She paid full price. Then it vanished.

The episode isn’t rare. People who think they own movies or shows they “buy” through Amazon are learning they don’t.

Red shield logo with three stylized black and white arrows curving outward, next to the text 'RECLAIM THE NET' with 'RECLAIM' in grey and 'THE NET' in red

Become a Member and Keep Reading…

Reclaim your digital freedom. Get the latest on censorship, cancel culture, and surveillance, and learn how to fight back.

Already a supporter? Sign In.

Having trouble logging in? Get help here.

More you should know:

Share this post