Earlier today Sony updated the terms of service for PSN, including new elements referring to software resale and monitoring of the network. The software clause (section 7.1) states that users cannot resell their games without authorisation from Sony.
However we didn’t run this story because we discovered the same clause has been issued by lots of companies over the years, including publishers, such as Activision, who have a similar clause in game manuals. It’s pretty much unenforceable, unless Sony decide to implement used game fees or blocking second hand discs, something the company said it wouldn’t do at E3.
However another major addition was the fact that Sony has the option to monitor user’s activities when using PSN. Sony have stated that the company doesn’t have the power to monitor every user constantly, but if Sony believe they have a cause to monitor your activity then they will.
This includes going through your messages, both text and voice, content that you may have generated such as gameplay videos, your IP to determine where an activity took place and your address. Specific reasons as to when Sony would carry out surveillance against someone haven’t been made clear, but law breaking is mentioned. According to the ToS if you accept the terms then you apparently have given consent to allowing Sony to monitor you if they deem it necessary.
Right now we’re living in a time where the debate over individual privacy and nations monitoring populations in the name of security has flared up, with various sides supplying their own arguments. I won’t go into detail of my own position but let’s just say I like my privacy. Of course I understand Sony has to moderate the content that flows through its servers, but the point that gets me is the fact Sony reserves the right to monitor your activity “without further notice to you.”
As in they don’t have to tell you if/when they start monitoring your activities, because consent is already implied. This debate will only grow as our digital lives get bigger everyday, and it is something to seriously think about.
UPDATE: If you’re still worried the new TOS would restrict the sale of second hand games, Shuhei Yoshida has a tweet for you
If you are concerned about our new European TOS, we confirm that you are able to sell or share your disc PS4 products, including in EU.
— Shuhei Yoshida (@yosp) November 12, 2013
freezebug2
Makes sense to take this action with the libel cases and suchlike that go around these days. Some scrote might decide to try and sue Sony after an imposed ban, but wouldn’t have a leg to stand on in court or elsewhere with suitable evidence of said twatlike activities monitored and stored.
Must admit though, some of those abusive messages received after beating randomers online that are too immature to accept the loss can be totally hilarious…..I’d miss those :P
Moonpie
I’m not worried, never get up to anything anyway. (except blowing up friends accidentally on GTA)
KittDJW
I’m not worried either… except for getting Blown up by Moonpie part! because it’s true!! :(
Moonpie
sometimes it’s not an accident…(snigger!!!!)