PS3 hack users to be shut out of PSN

Any PlayStation 3 user found to be running "unauthorised or pirated software" will be barred from accessing PlayStation Network or Qriocity, Sony has warned.

A statement published today on the PlayStation Blog advised anyone using the recent GeoHot hack to immediately stop doing so, remove any relevant devices from their system and delete all pirated software.

The full statement read:

"Unauthorised 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.

"To avoid this, consumers must immediately cease use and remove all circumvention devices and delete all unauthorised or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems."

Blog manager James Gallagher then jumped in to temper the chilly legal speak.

"By identifying PlayStation 3 systems that breach our guidelines and terminating their ability to connect to PlayStation Network, we are protecting our business and preserving the honest gameplay experiences that you expect and deserve.

"Rest assured, this message does not apply to the overwhelming majority of our users who enjoy the world of entertainment PlayStation 3 has to offer without breaching the guidelines detailed above, and we urge you to continue doing so without fear."