Yesterday, update 8.00 hit PlayStation 4 players with a slew of problems. For some players, they found themselves unable to access their groups or friends list. Meanwhile, the entire PlayStation network went down for some time locking everyone out of online play. However, the biggest problem came in a surprisingly different form. Many players became concerned when the update included a pop-up stating that their voice chats may be recorded.
In response, Sony updated the original update 8.00 announcement to address these concerns. Here is Sony’s complete statement:
“Following this update, users are seeing a notification about Party Safety and that voice chats in parties may be recorded. Voice chat recording for moderation is a feature that will be available on PS5 when it launches, and will enable users to record their voice chats on PS5 and submit them for moderation review. The pop-up you’re seeing on PS4 right now is to let you know that when you participate in a chat with a PS5 user (post-launch), they may submit those recordings from their PS5 console to SIE.”
Essentially, players will be able to record any toxic or abusive behavior over voice chat. They can then submit this evidence to Sony for them to review and address appropriately. It’s a controversial way for Sony to address the continuing problem with abusive online players. After all, players eveywhere are concerned about the ways in which this feature could be exploited. What if other players record you when no abuse is happening? Interestingly, Sony did note on Twitter that party chats will not be recorded. So be aware, when playing online people could be recording anything you say. Make sure you aren’t saying things worth recording for review.
