Sony have updated the Terms of Service (ToS) for the PlayStation Network, with new clauses added to prohibit reselling of software and permission to monitor your online activities, should they deem fit. The software clause (section 7.1) states that users cannot resell their games without authorisation from Sony – effectively stopping you from selling games to others.
Although not exactly a u-turn from Sony’s original stance of letting users freely buy and trade pre-owned games, it is something that causes concern. The clause is unenforceable for now, until Sony decide to add DRM or other form of security to block pre-owned games – something the company said it wouldn’t do at E3.
The other major edition to the ToS is the monitoring of user’s activities when using the PlayStation Network. Section 14 states that Sony cannot monitor all activity, but reserves the right to monitor and record any or all of your PSN activity at their sole discretion. Sony will be able to monitor everything that goes through the network including personal messages, gameplay videos, voice messages, name, address and IP details.
Sony also says they won’t have to notify you if they start to monitor your activities, as agreeing to the ToS implies consent to this clause.