Sony blocks access to the PlayStation Network from hacked consoles

Sony Corporation has announced that Sony PlayStation 3 game consoles that have been hacked and installed unauthorized software will not be able to access the network services of the PlayStation Network system (games, chat, etc.). According to messages on Internet forums, some users have already received email notifications from the corporation about blocking access, RIA Novosti reports.

Users who wish to remain on the PlayStation Network will have to remove devices used to bypass protection, as well as all unauthorized programs, the corporation said in a statement . In addition to the PlayStation Network, hacked consoles will also be denied access to the Qriocity streaming audio and video content service provided in some countries; it is not supported in Russia.

Sony cites the creation of equal conditions for all players as the motive for its decision: modified software can be used to play unfairly.

The Japanese giant is fighting the installation of unauthorized software on the PlayStation 3 using both technical and legal methods. Thus, in April 2010, the company blocked the Install Other OS function, which allows you to install an alternative operating system on the console.

In January, a US court upheld Sony's lawsuit against hackers who created and distributed software and instructions to bypass the hardware protection of the PlayStation 3. As the corporation demanded, the court ordered one of the hackers, George Hotz, to suspend the development and distribution of bypass tools. Now Sony lawyers are trying to establish the identities of other hackers involved in hacking the console.