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Sony Issues Official Statement About Hacked PS3s

In short: don't hack your PS3. Just don't!


 Don't copy that flopp--er, hack that PlayStation!
 Don't copy that flopp--er, hack that PlayStation!
If you’ve been reading the tech side of the web since CES, then you already know about the PS3 root key drama. A hacker that goes by the name of “Geohot” exposed the key in early January, basically allowing pirates and homebrew creators to run unsanctioned software on the console, an ability that certainly lends itself to certain nefarious ends. Yesterday, Sony issued an official warning to those who may be fiddling around with rooted consoles, stating that PlayStation Network access will be revoked if the manufacturer spots someone running a hacked console.   

Here’s that statement, which was posted on the PlayStation blog:  
 

Notice: Unauthorized circumvention devices for the PlayStation 3 system have been recently released by hackers. These devices permit the use of unauthorized or pirated software. Use of such devices or software violates the terms of the “System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System” and the “Terms of Services and User Agreement” for the PlayStation Network/Qriocity and its Community Code of Conduct provisions. Violation of the System Software Licence Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System invalidates the consumer guarantee for that system. In addition, copying or playing pirated software is a violation of International Copyright Laws. Consumers using circumvention devices or running unauthorized or pirated software will have access to the PlayStation Network and access to Qriocity services through PlayStation 3 system terminated permanently.  



== TEASER ==This isn’t really shocking stuff. Microsoft doesn’t allow hacked consoles on its networks either, but this is the first official warning that I’ve seen from Sony, who is currently battling it out in court with Geohot over the key.

If you’ve got a hacked console and don’t want to be banned, Sony says the way to avoid problems is to “remove all circumvention devices and delete all unauthorized or pirated software” from your PS3. Or you could, simply, stay off PSN--that’d probably do the trick, too.  
 
Today, Sony is giving hackers a second chance, just in case this warning hasn't reached them. PS3-Hacks reports that users signing on with hacked consoles are immediately receiving this message: 

Important: Access to the PlayStation(R)Network and Access to Qriocity(TM) Services Notice

Unauthorized circumvention devices for 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 PlayStation(R) Network and access to Qriocity(TM) services through your PlayStation(R)3 system.    

 
The question remains if Sony is just banning PSN accounts, or the actual consoles used to sign on. I assume we'll find out in a few days as Sony ramps up its protection of its network's integrity.