Death of the PSN

[Underball]

Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:26:53 -0500

From: PlayStation Network <PlayStation_Network@playstation.innovyx.net>

Subject: Important Notice: New Terms of Service and User Agreement

 

===================================

PlayStation®Network

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An important message to you from the PlayStation®Network team at Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.

 

On April 1, 2011, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC ("SCEA") will transfer its online services operations, including your wallet and the funds in it, to Sony Network Entertainment America Inc. ("SNEA").

 

The first time you sign in to your Sony Online Services account on or after April 1, you will be asked to enter into a new Terms of Service and User Agreement with SNEA. If you do not wish to enter into a contract with SNEA, you may decline the terms of service and we will close your account(s) and return your funds. You can preview the new Terms of Service and User Agreement with SNEA at:

 

Privacy Policy

 

PlayStation®Network will continue to provide you with the highest standard of interactive entertainment. Your access to the best games, movies, TV shows, music and friends will remain intact. Thank you very much for being part of the PlayStation®Network online community! We look forward to continuing to bring you the best in innovative online entertainment!

 

Your PlayStation®Network password and Sign-on ID (MY PSN ID) is required to sign in to your Sony Online Services account. Please go to >> PlayStation® Knowledge Center | Support - PlayStation.com to ensure your account information is accurate and updated.

 

The PlayStation®Network Team

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LEGAL

 

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks and "PS3" and "PlayStation Network" are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

 

© 2011 Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.

 

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC

919 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404

 

SNEA Privacy Policy/TOS:

 

Privacy Policy

Last Revised: April 1, 2011

 

Sony Network Entertainment America Inc. ("SNEA") is committed to respecting the privacy rights of all visitors to our websites, and users of the PlayStation®Network ("PSN") and Qriocity services ("Qriocity") (PSN and Qriocity are collectively referred to in this Privacy Policy as "Sony Online Services"). This privacy policy is intended to provide you with information on how we collect, use and store the information that you provide to us through our websites and via our Sony Online Services so that you can make appropriate choices for sharing information with us. If you have any questions, complaints or comments regarding our online or offline privacy policies, please contact SNEA's Consumer Services Hotline at 1-855-774-6248. Additional contact information is provided below.

Websites

 

This policy applies to the website www.qriocity.com. From time to time, we may add new websites, but will provide a link to this policy or the applicable privacy policy. By use of our websites, you signify your assent to SNEA's privacy policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our websites.

Links

 

SNEA may create links to the websites of our promotional partners and licensed software publishers, our affiliates or other entities that we own or control. This privacy policy does not apply to third-party websites and treatment of any personal information you provide on such sites is subject to the applicable third party's individual privacy policy, and not this one. Additionally, other websites not associated with SNEA may have links leading to one of our websites even if we have not authorized those links. We cannot control these links and are not responsible for any content appearing on websites that link to ours.

Sony Online Services

 

In parts of North America and South America, SNEA operates Sony Online Services, a network of online games, movies, music, other media and content and communication services. Users can purchase goods and services from SNEA through Sony Online Services and may have the opportunity to participate in various network community activities. By using Sony Online Services, you assent to the application of this privacy policy to your information that you provide through Sony Online Services. If you do not agree to this privacy policy, please do not use Sony Online Services.

Changes to Our Privacy Policy

 

We reserve the right to make changes to this privacy policy at any time. If we make a material change to this privacy policy, we will notify you by posting notice of the change on our websites or the applicable Sony Online Services, as relevant. We will post the changes in the privacy policy and, if necessary, give you additional choices regarding changes. Please check this privacy policy from time to time to ensure that you are aware of these changes. Your continued use of our websites, any Sony Online Services or any other SNEA online portals subject to this privacy policy will signify your acceptance of privacy policy changes.

Collection of Personal Information through our Websites and Sony Online Services Accounts

 

We do not require that website visitors reveal any personally identifying information in order to access our websites. However, visitors who do not wish to, or are not allowed by law to share personally identifying information, may not be able to access certain areas of our websites, participate in certain activities or sign up for a Sony Online Services account. Although personally identifying information may be required to participate in certain promotions or features offered through our websites, participants provide this information on a voluntary basis only. Collection of personal information required to access certain website services may include the collection of date of birth, name, mailing address, email address or credit card information.

 

Personally identifying information is needed to establish a Sony Online Services account. In order to set up a PSN account and access these services, you must provide your date of birth, name, mailing address, and email address. In order to set up a Qriocity account, you must provide your date of birth and email address. You may choose to provide valid credit card information at the time of registration. If you wish to make a purchase through Sony Online Services and would like to pay for that purchase with a credit card, you will be required to provide valid credit card information at the time of purchase. We maintain and store credit card information (other than CVV) provided by consumers for purposes of charging future purchases.

 

In the United States and Canada, if a Master Account holder is giving consent to allow his or her child under the age of 13 to participate on Sony Online Services, we require that he or she provide valid credit card information to confirm parental consent. If a parent is setting up a Sub Account for his or her child under 18 years of age (or 21 in Argentina) for whom he or she is legally responsible, he or she must provide this information for the child and consent to our use of the child's personally identifying information in accordance with this privacy policy. For more information on Sub Accounts and Master Accounts, please see the Sony Online Services Terms of Service and User Agreement.

 

For information on our collection policies for children under the age of 13, please see the "Policies for Children" section of this privacy policy.

 

Generally, we require a Sony Online Services account in connection with:

 

1. Participation in online contests, sweepstakes or other promotions

2. Inclusion in email newsletter programs (an account holder must opt in to receive marketing materials)

3. All purchases of content or services via Sony Online Services

 

Additionally, we may collect personally identifying information in connection with the following, to the extent such features are available:

 

1. Questions or comments sent through our websites to Consumer Services

2. Subscription to a non-Sony Online Services marketing program

3. "Send-to-a-Friend" emails

 

Collection of Personal Information through PSN

 

In addition to the information collected above, when a consumer creates a PSN account, a PSN mailbox for that account is automatically created. The PSN account holder is prompted to select an identifier called the Online ID, which other PSN users may view and is used to send text email messages to the PSN account mailbox. We consider the Online ID personally identifying information for this reason.

Collection of Demographic Information through www.qriocity.com

 

From time to time, we may offer consumers the chance to answer questions, including about their favorite products and other issues. General and demographic information such as gender, game and platform preferences, hobbies and recently purchased products is collected anonymously and is not linked to any personally identifying information through cookies or other methods without the user's approval. To learn more about what "cookies" are and how we may use them, please see the section titled "Cookies" below.

Passive Information Collection via Sony Online Services

 

SNEA may collect information such as Sony Online Services account holders' system IP address, IP address-related information, system Media Access Control ("MAC") address, network configuration information, network device information, peripheral information, USB device information, plug-in and monitor information, information generated by applicable devices and information about how account holders use Sony Online Services and applicable device users use their devices, including download activity, browser activity, gaming activities, forum postings, game profile, rankings, features used and presence on Friends list or block list.

How We Use Your Information

 

We save and use personally identifying information that we may collect for a particular promotional purpose through one of our websites or other promotional opportunities only for that purpose, unless the participant chooses to opt-in to one of the programs discussed below.

 

We save and use personally identifying information collected through our websites and Sony Online Services for administration, including providing Sony Online Services account holders with online video, music and videogame services, videogame-, video-, music- and other content-related commerce and activity services, in-game advertising services and community services, administering customer transactions, monitoring for fraudulent activities and transactions, preventing abuse of Sony Online Services and ensuring compliance with the applicable Terms of Service and User Agreement and this privacy policy.

 

SNEA may use personally identifying information for marketing and demographic studies. For example, SNEA may use a PSN account holder's Online ID to cross-reference passive information with non-personally identifying information in his or her profile, such as gender or age, in order to develop aggregated information about who uses PSN and how. We or our affiliates may conduct these studies or may hire a third party to conduct them. These studies are for internal purposes only, to help us improve our websites, products and services to better meet our users' needs.

 

Consumers who voluntarily provide personally identifying information via our website for purposes of receiving marketing materials may also become members of our marketing program.

 

Email addresses collected during the use of the E-Cards or "Send-to-a-Friend" email features on our websites (if available) are not retained by us, and are only used to send a one-time email notification on a consumer's behalf.

 

SNEA's Consumer Services department maintains information obtained from consumers who contact or submit an online complaint so that we may assist these customers with current or future service issues. SNEA's Consumer Services department may collect additional information such as credit card, personal check information if a consumer contacts consumer services to request repair of, exchange of or service on an applicable Sony device. Consumer Services uses this information for payment and payment verification purposes. SNEA's Consumer Services department may direct consumers to the consumer services departments of other companies with whom SNEA has arranged to provide consumer service.

Sony Online Services Account Holders

 

We offer eligible consumers the opportunity to become Sony Online Services account holders. Consumers may register for an account through certain websites or through applicable Sony devices (for the PSN, devices such as the PlayStation®3 system or the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and for Qriocity, devices such as the Sony BRAVIA television, Sony Blu-ray player and Sony Netbox).

 

Such accounts are free and grant the account holder certain rights on our websites which may include access to restricted areas of our websites, use of our message boards, the opportunity to be a registered user or subscriber of our websites and more. If account holders opt in to receive marketing materials, they may also receive discount and promotional offers, game news, special opportunities and other information about Sony products.

 

We may give Sony Online Services account holders the opportunity to provide information about themselves on registration materials, and may from time to time send out surveys or questionnaires for members to provide feedback and additional information.

 

By logging in as a Sony Online Services account holder on any website, Sony device or Sony Online Service, consumers consent to having information regarding their activities (which may include their gaming, viewing, listening and browsing preferences and behaviors) added to their Sony Online Services profile. This information allows us to provide those Sony Online Services account holders with information about Sony products and services that best suit their interests, and to customize and personalize their experience (e.g., by providing recommendations based on such preferences and behaviors).

 

Sony Online Services may provide several ways for account holders to share freely their thoughts and ideas. They may have the opportunity to use voice chat or video chat or send text email messages to another account holder. Certain games may also provide in-game chat or provide unique means to leave messages for other users. When using these communication tools, account holders must adhere to the applicable Terms of Service and User Agreements as well as any additional terms and conditions that SNEA provides. This privacy policy will apply to any information we collect when account holders utilize such communication tools.

Prohibited Private Disclosures

 

We ask our users to respect the privacy of others and we prohibit Sony Online Services account holders from disclosing their own personally identifying information other than their own Online IDs. Disclosure of phone numbers, addresses, age or other personally identifying information that may violate someone else's privacy is prohibited. Encouraging or asking users to disclose publicly their personally identifying information is also prohibited. We reserve the right to delete any content that violates these rules or any posted term or condition and reserve the right to ban any user who violates these rules. For details on online communication for children in the United States and Canada under the age of 13, please see the section entitled "Policies for Children".

Consent to Processing

 

SNEA operates in parts of North and South America but many of our computer systems are based in the United States. When we process personal data and information and personally identifying information in the United States, we follow United States data protection and privacy regulations, which may not offer the same level of protection as in other parts of the world, such as the European Union. Please be aware that accepting this privacy policy means that you consent to the transfer of your data outside of your country of residence. If a consumer's country of residence is outside the territory where SNEA does business, that consumer will be directed to the Sony Network Entertainment company that services that country. For example, a consumer from Italy would be directed to our affiliated company in Europe and would not go through the registration process for United States consumers nor have data collected by SNEA.

PSN In-Game Advertising

 

Dynamic advertisement serving technology enables advertisements to be temporarily loaded or cached to a PSN account holder's system for display only in games that incorporate this technology. If a PSN account holder plays a game that utilizes this feature, we will log information about his or her system and game play to ensure that advertisements are being appropriately served to him or her and to track information about the advertisements displayed during his or her gaming session. Logged data may include: Online ID, system IP address, system MAC address, in-game advertisement location, the length of time an advertisement was visible, relative size of advertisements, the angle of view and other information related to each advertisement visible during the gaming session. We or our affiliates may use information that we have collected about a PSN account holder through this process to provide him or her with future advertisements that we believe will be of particular interest. Logged data or some portion of it will be shared with third-party companies that operate the advertisement serving technology, and these companies may share aggregated data (meaning data that includes data about a PSN account holder's gaming session but is not specific to him or her) with advertisers and game publishers.

Message Boards

 

Our websites and Sony Online Services may include message board features, to which the terms and conditions in this section will apply. Our website message boards are a place where users can go to freely share their thoughts and ideas about the Sony brand. A Sony Online Services account is required to contribute to these message boards. Message board participants must adhere to applicable terms of use, as well as any additional posted terms and conditions. Message board moderators enforce these terms of use and other applicable rules. Any information collected in connection with a consumer's participation on our message boards will be covered by this privacy policy. We prohibit Sony Online Services account holders from disclosing their own personally identifying information other than their own Online IDs. We ask our users to respect the privacy of others. Disclosure of phone numbers, addresses, age or other personally identifying information that may violate someone else's privacy is prohibited. Encouraging or asking users to disclose publicly their personally identifying information is also prohibited. We reserve the right to delete any content that violates these rules or any posted term or condition and reserve the right to ban any user who violates these rules. Additionally, we reserve the right to ban any user who violates this requirement. For details on online communication for children in the United States and Canada under the age of 13, please see the section entitled "Policies for Children".

Recording Functionality and Social Media Integration

 

Some Sony Network Services feature games and other functionality that allow account holders to record and publicly distribute footage of their Sony Network Services activities, which could include the personal information of other account holders. If Sony Online Services account holders want to ensure that their activities and information are not shared by other users in this way, those account holders should not utilize services in which this type of functionality is available.

 

Sony Network Services account holders can choose to distribute information about their network activities, including their purchases, to our web sites, our affiliates' websites and third-party websites and services. If you choose to share your information with any third-party websites or services, be sure to review carefully the privacy policies that apply to the use of your information.

Information Sharing Policy

 

We share the personally identifying information of Sony Online Services account holders and our website users with:

 

(1) Sony Computer Entertainment America ("SCEA"), which provides PlayStation products and services through Sony Online Services. SCEA will maintain and treat your personally identifying information that we share with it according to its own privacy policy, which you may review at http://us.playstation.com/support/privacypolicy/index.htm. If you do not agree with all of SCEA's privacy policy's terms, you should not use our websites or Sony Online Services, and you should not create a Sony Online Services account or opt to receive SCEA marketing materials.

 

(2) Our affiliates in the Sony group family of companies and other third parties who assist us with fulfilling your requests, clear and verify transactions, deliver and administer products, content or services, manage and enhance customer data, store and maintain our database records, provide customer service, detect fraud or illegal activities, conduct customer research and surveys, develop new products and services and sell products and services to us for resale to you. In particular, if a Sony Online Services account holder accesses content or services that are published, developed or supported by one of our affiliates or a third party, his or her personally identifying information may be shared with that affiliate or third party for purposes related to that content or those services, including game, video, music or community administration or development. SNEA may also share personally identifying information with law enforcement or similar organizations, in connection with a criminal investigation, investigation or prevention of fraud or criminal activities, infringement of intellectual property rights or other activity that is suspected to be illegal or may expose our users or SNEA to legal liability.

 

We may use personally identifying information and records for defense of a lawsuit, investigation or other action if such personally identifying information, records or profiles are relevant to the lawsuit, investigation or action.

 

We do not control SCEA's, our affiliates' or third parties' use of your information after we share it, but we use reasonable efforts to obtain SCEA's, our affiliates' and third parties' agreement to protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of any personal information we share with them or that we permit them to collect directly. If consumers do not want their personal information made available to others in these ways, they should not establish a Sony Online Services account.

 

In addition, we may share non-personally identifying information and behavioral data with SCEA, our affiliates and third parties for the purposes described above as well as other commercial purposes related to Sony Online Services.

Independent Information Collection and Marketing Opt-ins

 

Sony Online Services account holders may be given the option to provide the same or additional personally identifying information directly to a third party pursuant to that third party's privacy policy. In these situations, please review carefully all terms of any third-party privacy policy. We are not responsible for how these companies use your personal information.

 

Sony Online Services account holders have two additional options to "opt-in" to receiving marketing content. The first option is to receive marketing content from SCEA; the second is to have their personal information shared with SCEA's promotional partners, licensed software publishers, licensed peripheral makers and other licensees so that they may send you marketing materials. This gives users the opportunity to receive additional material regarding products that SCEA thinks account holders will enjoy.

California Privacy Rights

 

Beginning on January 1, 2005, California Civil Code section 1798.83 permits SNEA customers who are California residents to request certain information regarding SNEA's disclosure within the immediately preceding calendar year of that California resident's personal information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes. To make such a request, contact our consumer services department through the following link: http://qriocity-en-us.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5 or via telephone at 1-800-345-7669. If you would like to change your current account preferences, go to the account management section of your Sony Online Services account.

Policies for Children

 

SNEA is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the collection, storage and use of personal information concerning children under the age of 13, including, in the United States, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act and local legislation. We do not intend to collect or permit the collection, storage or use of any personal information from anyone under 13. We encourage parents to take an active role to protect their children's privacy and to prevent inappropriate uses of their children's information. Parents should instruct their children never to provide their real names, ages or any other identifying information on our websites or via Sony Online Services without first getting permission. If a child under the age of 13 attempts to create a Sony Online Services account and enters his or her correct date of birth, the registration process will direct that child to provide the email address of a parent who can create an account for that child.

 

In order for a child in the United States or Canada who is under the age of 13 to participate in connection with any Sony Online Services, that child's parent or legal guardian must first create a Master Account for himself or herself. The parent or legal guardian must then use the Master Account to create a Sub Account for the child who is under 13. The creation of a Sub Account requires the parent or legal guardian to provide verifiable legal consent to our collection of the child's personal information and to the child's participation in connection with Sony Online Services. The parent or guardian must also consent to having the child's personal information shared with SNEA's affiliates and third parties, such as game publishers who provide online services on or through PSN for the purposes of game, system or service administration.

 

The parent or legal guardian must provide SNEA with valid credit card information and a valid email address. SNEA then sends to the parent's internet based email address a message with a link to a secure website. The parent completes the remainder of the account registration on the parent's personal computer, providing the child's name, address and email address. The parent also has options to control his or her child's access to content and ability to chat with other account holders.

 

If you are a parent or guardian who knows or has discovered your child under the age of 13 has submitted his or her personal information or other information without your consent, permission or authorization, once we verify you are the child's parent or legal guardian, upon request, we will promptly: (a) provide direct notice to you indicating what, if any, personal information of your child has been collected and how it has been used or disclosed; (b) remove and cease the use of your child's personal information or other information from our database and direct any other party with access to such information to do the same; and © by notice to you, confirm compliance with the foregoing.

Transfer of Your Information in the Event of Sale or Acquisition

 

In the event that SNEA sells or transfers any or all of its business or has any or all of its business acquired, Sony Online Services account holders' personally identifying information and other consumers' personally identifying information may be transferred to the purchasing or acquiring entity. Please be aware that accepting this privacy policy means that you also consent to the transfer of your personally identifying information outside your country of residence.

Cookies

 

Cookies are bits of electronic information that a website can transfer to a consumer's hard drive to keep records of his or her visit at the website. Cookies allow website operators to better tailor visits to the website to a consumer's individual preferences. The use of cookies is standard on the Internet and most major websites use them. We may use cookies to improve consumers' experiences when visiting our websites (and utilizing some Sony Online Services). We may use cookies to track anonymously interest in and collect aggregate information on our websites. Similarly, we may keep records of the places Sony Online Services account holders have visited on Sony Online Services and to keep track of their purchases and activities on Sony Online Services.

Log Files

 

We may use log files to gather statistics about consumers' browsing habits and to assess overall website activity, including how many "hits" a particular web page is getting. These entries are generated anonymously, and enable us to track interest in specific promotions, troubleshoot technical concerns, and provide consumers with content that is most interesting to them. We may also use the log file entries for our internal marketing and demographic studies, so we can constantly improve the online services we provide to consumers. Log files are used internally only, and are not associated with any particular user, computer or browser.

Web Beacons

 

Our websites may use a variety of technical methods for tracking purposes, including Web beacons. Web beacons are small pieces of data that are embedded in images on the pages of websites. We may also use these technical methods to analyze the traffic patterns on our websites, such as the frequency with which consumers visit various parts of our websites. These technical methods may involve the transmission of information either directly to us or to another party authorized by us to collect information on our behalf. We may also use these technical methods in HTML emails that we send our guests to determine whether our consumers have opened those emails or clicked on links in those emails. The information from use of these technical methods may be collected in a form that is personally identifiable.

Accuracy & Security

 

We seek to maintain reasonable security measures in order to attempt to protect against the loss, misuse or alteration of the personally identifying information under our control. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as perfect security. As a result, although we strive to protect personally identifying information, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information transmitted to us through or in connection with our website, Sony Online Services or that we store on our systems or that is stored on our service providers'systems.

 

We strive to take reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of the personal information collected from our website visitors. Personal information is stored in secure operating environments that are not available to the public and that are only accessible to authorized employees. In addition, Sony Online Services use industry-standard encryption to prevent unauthorized electronic access to sensitive financial information such as your credit card number. We also have security measures in place to protect the loss, misuse, and alteration of the information under our control. For example, before we allow Sony Online Services account holders to access their personal information, we verify their identity by requesting information such as their Sign-in ID and password. In the event of a security breach, we have procedures in place to protect our consumers' data.

 

Sony Online Services account holders should keep their Sign-in IDs and passwords secret to prevent unauthorized access and use of their accounts. If you are a Sony Online Services account holder and have set your "Auto Sign-in" setting to populate your password and Sign-in ID automatically, please make sure you change the setting to [Auto Sign-In Off] before you let anyone else use your account or give your device to anyone else, including returning the device to a retailer or to SNEA or its affiliates.

Retention Policy

 

We will retain personally identifying information about you for the period necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy unless a longer retention period is required by law or regulations.

Contact Us

 

For further information on our privacy policy, or for questions on information that we may have collected from you, or should you wish to have your Sony Online Services account closed, please contact us by either of the following methods and we will be happy to review, update, or change your record status as appropriate:

By Phone at:

 

855-QRIOCITY (855-774-6248)

By Mail at:

 

SNEA, Consumer Services Department

6080 Center Drive, 10th Floor

Los Angeles, CA

90045

Online:

 

http://qriocity-en-us.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5.

In Latin America

 

Argentina: 011-6770-7669

 

Brazil: 0800-880-7669 (from outside Brasilia)

 

Brazil: 4003 7669 (inside Brasilia)

Chile: 800-261-800; (56)(2)7546333

Colombia: 01-800-550-7000

Mexico: 01800.759.7669

Peru: 0-801-1-7000; (51)(1)511-6100]

[mimo]

nice! time to mod my PS3 and forget PSN forever

[AtariLeaf]

If you do not wish to enter into a contract with SNEA, you may decline the terms of service and we will close your account(s) and return your funds.

 

Looks like the obvious answer right there.

[Underball]

If you do not wish to enter into a contract with SNEA, you may decline the terms of service and we will close your account(s) and return your funds.

 

Looks like the obvious answer right there.

you will also permanently lose the use of PSN games you purchased that require an active account to run. They will refund your money in your PSN wallet.

 

THEY WILL NOT REFUND THE MONEY YOU SPENT ON GAMES THEY WILL NOW TAKE AWAY FROM YOU.

[Reaperman]

That was just the privacy policy. The upcoming TOS (as usual) is much worse. (here's a preview of the 1 apr one)

 

It's getting so I start paying attention to the little parts of the ToS that I violate every day. Especially when they specifically mention monitoring for them. (the Non-licensed controllers/usb accessories) I see what they're going for, but what they've done is bombard me with a constant stream of legalese since I joined.

 

It also seems like the language about responsibility for upgrades, and the verbage relating to hacking have been firmed up. I also note that there is no warranty, or guarantee of functionality with "purchased" content.

 

 

 

I dunno, I've been tempted into considering my first purchase in 6 mos for their console, and damned if I'm not leaning toward letting it slide by based on the bullying that I'm starting to feel.

Edited March 24, 2011 by Reaperman

[MagitekAngel]

Henceforth, I'm going to use my PS3 online exclusively to browse lactating Japanese porn. I wonder what kind of advertisements Sony will decide to send my way?

[Underball]

That was just the privacy policy. The upcoming TOS (as usual) is much worse. (here's a preview of the 1 apr one)

 

It's getting so I start paying attention to the little parts of the ToS that I violate every day. Especially when they specifically mention monitoring for them. (the Non-licensed controllers/usb accessories) I see what they're going for, but what they've done is bombard me with a constant stream of legalese since I joined.

 

It also seems like the language about responsibility for upgrades, and the verbage relating to hacking has been firmed up. I also note that there is no warranty, or guarantee of functionality with "purchased" content.

 

 

 

I dunno, I've been tempted into considering my first purchase in 6 mos for their console, and damned if I'm not leaning toward letting it slide by based on the bullying that I'm starting to feel.

 

Yikes:

 

1. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION

 

To access Sony Online Services, you must create an appropriate Sony Online Service account. Through Qriocity's Video on Demand service ("VOD"), you may purchase and view content using selected BRAVIA® televisions or Sony Blu-ray® Disc players and other authorized devices ("VOD Devices"). Through Qriocity’s Music Unlimited service, you may purchase and use content using certain types of electronic devices (“Music Devices”). Through PSN, you may purchase and view content and services offered on either PSN or Qriocity, using a PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems, personal computers and VOD Devices. You will also be able to participate in the online PSN community (including chatting via voice and video with your friends) and play games online. If you have a PSN account, you will not have to create a separate Qriocity account. A Qriocity account may be transitioned into a PSN account. Sony Online Services may not be available, or may not be supported, in some countries and some languages. SNEA reserves the right to deny the creation of any account at its sole discretion. Currently, there is no charge to create a Sony Online Services account, but there may be charges associated with certain online content or services available through Sony Online Services. All information provided during account registration must be truthful and accurate. SNEA reserves the right to cancel any account that uses or that was created using untruthful or inaccurate information. There are two types of accounts: Master Accounts and Sub Accounts. All accounts must have an associated mailbox for receiving electronic text mail.

[Underball]

Henceforth, I'm going to use my PS3 online exclusively to browse lactating Japanese porn. I wonder what kind of advertisements Sony will decide to send my way?

It seems like they are saying they will reserve the right to remote-brick your PS3 for watching Squirty Titty porn, actually.

[MagitekAngel]

Heresy! Give me my squirty titty porn or give me death!

[Mord]

That was just the privacy policy. The upcoming TOS (as usual) is much worse. (here's a preview of the 1 apr one)

 

It's getting so I start paying attention to the little parts of the ToS that I violate every day. Especially when they specifically mention monitoring for them. (the Non-licensed controllers/usb accessories) I see what they're going for, but what they've done is bombard me with a constant stream of legalese since I joined.

 

It also seems like the language about responsibility for upgrades, and the verbage relating to hacking have been firmed up. I also note that there is no warranty, or guarantee of functionality with "purchased" content.

 

 

 

I dunno, I've been tempted into considering my first purchase in 6 mos for their console, and damned if I'm not leaning toward letting it slide by based on the bullying that I'm starting to feel.

 

The scary thing is that this is a pretty "standard" privacy policy for most companies, which basically should be called a "How We Abuse Your Trust In Us Policy". (That generates negative PR tho and would cause more people to actually read it.)

 

Still, that does seem to crush any intention I have of buying a couple digital games to personalize the PS3 when I get it, and reaffirms my dedication to avoid DLC heavy games.

[HammR25]

This stuff just reminds me why my PS3 is mainly a blu-ray player.

[cimerians]

I'll pull the plug and play offline but the problem is....more and more companies are requiring you to be online or "check in" to play your games.

 

As much as I love saving space with discless games I'm really starting to love my physical copies of games more and more each day. I fear one day it will all be gone and we're stuck checking in with big brother.

 

More reasons for hacking right?

 

Sony is serious about banning folks. They dont want people hacking the console AND getting on PSN.

 

And the argument starts all over again........

Edited March 24, 2011 by cimerians

[Reaperman]

Yikes:

1. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION

Currently, there is no charge to create a Sony Online Services account, but there may be charges associated with certain online content or services available through Sony Online Services.

 

It goes hand in hand with:

 

SNEA, at its sole discretion, may modify the terms of this Agreement at any time, including imposing a fee for creating PSN accounts.

 

They're trying as hard as they can to remove every feature that I chose their system over their competition for. Stellar business model. You'd think there would be some kind of attempt to justify the removal of selling points--at least a press release.

 

Instead of donating money to 'save geohot' maybe we all need to donate money into a legal fund to start bogging Sony down in the legal department in any way possible. Start getting their assets seized as evidence, etc. I would pay money to damage the playstation brand at this point. And I'm a 100% legitimate customer.

Edited March 24, 2011 by Reaperman

[Underball]

I'll pull the plug and play offline but the problem is....more and more companies are requiring you to be online or "check in" to play your games.

 

As much as I love saving space with discless games I'm really starting to love my physical copies of games more and more each day. I fear one day it will all be gone and we're stuck checking in with big brother.

 

More reasons for hacking right?

 

Sony is serious about banning folks. They dont want people hacking the console AND getting on PSN.

 

And the argument starts all over again........

As far as I know, that there aren't any PS3 games in Disc form that require online activation - yet. PSN games - sure. Most of them do. But as long as they keep making Disc-based games I think we're good.

[Mord]

As far as I know, that there aren't any PS3 games in Disc form that require online activation - yet. PSN games - sure. Most of them do. But as long as they keep making Disc-based games I think we're good.

 

However, if anybody finds a disc based game that requires online activation, please make a note of it in the DRM thread so others can be warned about it.

 

At this point, while I still plan on getting a ps3, I don't see any other games on the horizon that I particularly want unless I pick it up for 10-15 dollars. And it's very likely I'll be keeping the PS3 offline when I do get it so if I find anything like that rest assured I'll be making them known in the thread.

[Metal Ghost]

Does anyone else find it ironic that this is scheduled to take place on April 1st????

[Underball]

Does anyone else find it ironic that this is scheduled to take place on April 1st????

Nah. Sony loves that date for some reason. That's the same day they disabled OtherOS last year.

[Tr3vor]

oooooh boy....

 

FUCK YOU SONY

 

I'll use my darn USB PC controller whenever I want.

They are not trying to avoid piracy, right? if so, they are digging themselves a hole. I can see tons of people that will hack their console over this.

Since when is this not an invasion of privacy?

 

 

Edit: If this keeps going, this WILL be the last new console generation that I will join.

 

 

Edited March 25, 2011 by Tr3vor

[+wood_jl]

Wow. Although I don't have a PS3, I've been a Playstation fan big-time for the One and Two. I've been under the presumption that if it uses a Playstation controller (my all-time favorite) then I'll eventually end up with it. But this sounds bad. I guess I'm more retro-gamer or I'd already have one.

 

I still can't rule it out 100% in the future (yet); I suspect they'll have to back off from this, or will do so later, after the backlash????

 

But disappointing news to prospective PS3 purchaser.

 

Does the Xbox Live agreement have this kind of crap in it? (No "vs." business intended here, just honest question as I don't have one of those either)

[ATARI7800fan]

Wow. Although I don't have a PS3, I've been a Playstation fan big-time for the One and Two. I've been under the presumption that if it uses a Playstation controller (my all-time favorite) then I'll eventually end up with it. But this sounds bad. I guess I'm more retro-gamer or I'd already have one.

 

I still can't rule it out 100% in the future (yet); I suspect they'll have to back off from this, or will do so later, after the backlash????

 

But disappointing news to prospective PS3 purchaser.

 

Does the Xbox Live agreement have this kind of crap in it? (No "vs." business intended here, just honest question as I don't have one of those either)

 

I have a Xbox 360 and no it does not have any crap of this kind any where in the user agreement or any where else associated to it. One up for Xbox 360.

[xg4bx]

That was just the privacy policy. The upcoming TOS (as usual) is much worse. (here's a preview of the 1 apr one)

 

It's getting so I start paying attention to the little parts of the ToS that I violate every day. Especially when they specifically mention monitoring for them. (the Non-licensed controllers/usb accessories) I see what they're going for, but what they've done is bombard me with a constant stream of legalese since I joined.

 

It also seems like the language about responsibility for upgrades, and the verbage relating to hacking have been firmed up. I also note that there is no warranty, or guarantee of functionality with "purchased" content.

 

 

 

I dunno, I've been tempted into considering my first purchase in 6 mos for their console, and damned if I'm not leaning toward letting it slide by based on the bullying that I'm starting to feel.

 

I like the part about automatic renewals without giving you any notice you're being charged in the ToS.

 

I should totally sell that unupdated (still has other os) 60 gig I have sitting in my closet collecting dust lol. It has a bum blu ray drive though.....

Edited March 26, 2011 by xg4bx

[+atari2600land]

Good thing I don't have a PS3, or play anything online.

[Elw00d]

Has anyone dealt with this yet today? I tried playing Comet Crash today and it said I wasn't logged in to the network, it showed I was though before I tried playing (I could play, but it just noted that I was offline). I took that as a sign that the change had come into effect.

[Mendon]

I fired up the PS3 yesterday and the first thing I was presented with was that I had to "read" and "sign" the new user agreement before I was allowed online access to my account. I don't think I'm exaggerating at all when I say it took like 4 minutes to fast scroll thru that entire agreement to get to the AGREE/DON'T AGREE boxes..... egads, Sony!!!

 

 

Mendon

Edited April 2, 2011 by Mendon

[HatefulGravey]

I wonder where this will leave all my high and mighty PS3 friends? I'm not saying the 360 is much better, but I don't see post like this about that system. Just saying.