Message to Hackers: Sony Will Destroy You (In Court)

Kris Erickson • Oct 20, 2010 • Comments ()

A month ago, our readers might have heard about the PS3 Jailbreak tool, which allows owners to make and run backups of PS3 games directly from memory stick. Since then, the hack has proliferated and a number of companies have started offering tools that do essentially the same thing. Any third grader could tell you that these devices open the door for piracy, big time. Sony isn't happy about the development, of course. They have already taken to banning hackers from PSN in retribution for jailbreaking their systems (and to prevent trophy cheating, also enabled by the device). But in Europe, Sony has gone one step further -- it is actually threatening to take legal action against people who have bought those USB tools.

German gaming site Heise Online reported the news that German customs officials recently seized a shipment of PS3 Break dongles. Sony then got involved, apparently sending cease-and-desist letters to all of the intended customers and threatening further legal action.

Basically, Sony is demanding that the customers sign a letter stating they will "no longer import, distribute or use any device that allows the PS3's copy protection to be bypassed". If a user breaks the contract, they face a possible find of $7,000 USD. If the would-be hackers refuse to sign the letter, they're apparently liable for legal action and possible penalties as high as 50,000€.

We don't think that Sony has any real intention of suing PS3 owners in Europe, they just want to send a message. But the message they've sent is very clear, and we'd be surprised if any of the people that received those letters would be willing to take the risk of landing in court. There's got to be a back-alley bazaar somewhere in Germany where one could buy a Jailbreak tool in private. Of course, Sony spies are everywhere *shifts eyes*.