Wie das Online PS3-Gamingmagazin http://psx-scene.com nun berichtet, wird Sony am 1. April 2011 von allen US PSN-Account-Besitzer, die ihren Account weiterhin nutzen wollen, eine neue Nutzervereinbarungen verlangen. Stimmt man den neuen Nutzervereinbarungen nicht zu, wird Sony den jeweiligen Account sperren (bzw. den Restbetrag erstatten). Grund dafür ist der "neue Besitzer" der PSN-Accounts: Bislang hat sich Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) darum gekümmert, nach dem ersten April wird dagegen Sony Network Entertainment America Inc. (SNEA) das Geschäft übernehmen.
[quote]Date: -----
From: PlayStation Network
Subject: Important Notice: New Terms of Service and User Agreement
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PlayStation(R)Network
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An important message to you from the PlayStation(R)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(R)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(R)Network online community! We look forward to continuing to bring you the best in innovative online entertainment!
Your PlayStation(R)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(R)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.
(C) 2011 Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
919 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404[/quote]
Einige Passagen aus den neuen Nutzervereinbarungen sind diskussionswürdig und werden in der oben genannte verlinkte Quelle erläutert:
[quote]1. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
[...] Currently, there is no charge to create a Sony Online Services account [...][/quote]
[quote]15. GENERAL LEGAL
[...] SNEA, at its sole discretion, may modify the terms of this Agreement at any time, including imposing a fee for creating PSN accounts. [...] [/quote]
[quote]• You may not upload, post, stream, or otherwise transmit any content that contains any viruses, worms, spyware, time bombs, or other computer programs that may damage, interfere with, or disrupt Sony Online Services.
• You may not use, make, or distribute unauthorized software or hardware, including Non-Licensed Peripherals and cheat code software or devices that circumvent any security features or limitations included on any software or devices, in conjunction with Sony Online Services, or take or use any data from Sony Online Services to design, develop or update such unauthorized software or hardware.
• You may not modify or attempt to modify the online client, disc, save file, server, client-server communication, or other parts of any game title, or content.
• You may not cause disruption to or modify or damage any account, system, hardware, software, or network connected to or provided by Sony Online Services for any reason, including for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage in a game.
• You may not attempt to hack or reverse engineer any code or equipment in connection with Sony Online Services.
• You may not introduce content that could be harmful to SNEA or its affiliates or their licensors, or players, such as any code or virus that may damage, alter or change any property or interfere with the use of property or Sony Online Services.
• You may not conduct any activities that violate any local, state or federal laws, including copyright or trademark infringement, defamation, invasion of privacy, identity theft, hacking, stalking, fraud, stealing or using without purchasing, where payment is required, any content or service and distributing counterfeit software or Sony Online Services accounts.[/quote]
Man kann davon ausgehen, dass Sony mit diesen Zug zukünftige "GeoHot"-ähnliche Problematiken aus der Welt schaffen will. Ob demnächst aber auch alle EU PSN-Account-Besitzer die neue Nutzervereinbarungen zustimmen müssen, steht bislang nicht fest.