Banhammer falls on PS3 hackers
Sony making good on its threat.
Reports are flooding in that Sony has sent warning emails to those suspected of hacking their PlayStation 3 consoles – and in some cases PlayStation Network access has been suspended.
After suffering a ban, users see this message, according to Attack of the Fanboy:
"You cannot use the PlayStation Network with this account (8002a227)"
The email sent by Sony to those suspected of using jailbroken PS3s reportedly reads:
"Notice: Unauthorized circumvention devices for the PlayStation(R)3 system have been recently released by hackers for the PlayStation(R)3 system. These devices permit the use of unauthorized or pirated software. Use of such devices or software violates the terms of your "System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation(R)3 System" and the "Terms of Services and User Agreement" for the PlayStation(R)Network/Qriocity(TM) and its Community Code of Conduct provisions.
"In addition, copying or playing pirated software is a violation of International Copyright Laws. A circumvention device and/or unauthorized or pirated software currently resides on your PlayStation(R)3 system. Immediately cease use and remove all circumvention devices and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from your PlayStation(R)3 system. Failure to do so will result in termination of your access to the PlayStation(R)Network and access to Qriocity(TM) services through your PlayStation(R)3 system."
It is unclear whether Sony is banning users for attempting to circumvent the security of the PSN or because Sony has detected pirated software.
Yesterday evening Sony broke its silence on the PS3 jailbreak issue with a statement threatening hackers with a ban.
It now appears that Sony has made good on its threat.
Blog manager James Gallagher added to the statement, saying, "By identifying PlayStation 3 systems that breach our guidelines and terminating their ability to connect to PlayStation Network, we are protecting our business and preserving the honest gameplay experiences that you expect and deserve.
"Rest assured, this message does not apply to the overwhelming majority of our users who enjoy the world of entertainment PlayStation 3 has to offer without breaching the guidelines detailed above, and we urge you to continue doing so without fear."
Sony is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against hacker George Hotz over the publication online of the PS3's root key.