EULA lets Sony tinker with your PS3 without your permission

A lot of you may have upgraded to the latest firmware by now, and I bet a big slice of those who did didn’t even bother with the mass of text that came with it. While most of us prefer to just get it over with and skim past all the legal hubbub, a UK news blog actually read the accompanying EULA (End User License Agreement). What they found is a little unsettling.

 

 

A lot of you may have upgraded to the latest firmware by now, and I bet a big slice of those who did didn’t even bother with the mass of text that came with it. While most of us prefer to just get it over with and skim past all the legal hubbub, a UK news blog actually read the accompanying EULA (End User License Agreement). What they found is a little unsettling.

 

Usually, we just skim through the text and find the nearest route to the accept button so we can get the download done ASAP – we’ve got games to play. But since the controversial Other OS removal from the last system update, news blog Thinq decided to take a closer look.

 

The point of concern lies in Section 3, Services and Updates:

 

From time to time, SCE may provide updates, upgrades or services to your PS3™ system to ensure it is functioning properly in accordance with SCE guidelines or provide you with new offerings.

 

Some services may be provided automatically without notice when you are online, and others may be available to you through SCE’s online network or authorized channels. Without limitation, services may include the provision of the latest update or download of new release that may include security patches, new technology or revised settings and features which may prevent access to unauthorized or pirated content, or use of unauthorized hardware or software in connection with the PS3™ system.

 

Additionally, you may not be able to view your own content if it includes or displays content that is protected by authentication technology. Some services may change your current settings, cause a loss of data or content, or cause some loss of functionality. It is recommended that you regularly back up any data on the hard disk that is of a type that can be backed up.

 

What’s concerning here is that as soon as you login, Sony will legally have the right to toy around with your PS3. Without your permission, without limitation. Even worse, there could be a loss of data and functionality.

 

The clause, however, has been present in previous EULAs. With that in mind, Sony may have been exercising that right for a long time now. Naturally, you can refuse to update and render yourself unable to go online – that would be, in a sense, taking features out as well. So which will it be? Update and play entirely by Sony’s rules? Or refuse and have your online features shut out?

 

 

 

 

 

Thinq [via GamePolitics]