Sony has finalized the terms of the settlement in the wake of the PSN data breach that occurred in 2011, to the tune of $ 15 million. Note that this is a preliminary figure.
The 2011 data breach kept the system down for weeks, and of course, compromised user data security and privacy. As much as 77 million users’ names, addresses, and possibly even credit card data was stolen. It is fortuitous that no incidents of fraud or theft have been connected to this breach.
Sony apologized and offered free games then, but several customers went ahead and sued Sony, along with UK fining them for breach of the Data Protection Act.
So, if you didn’t participate in Sony’s ‘Welcome Back’ package, you can avail of two benefit options from the settlement, whereas those who did can redeem one benefit option. These options include free PS3 and PSP games, PS3 themes, PS Plus Subscriptions, Music Unlimited Subscriptions, and SOE Station Cash.. There is also a first-come, first-served aggregate cap of $ 4 million.
One hopes that Sony, as well as other platform holders, like Microsoft, Nintendo, Steam, et al, would have learned their lesson from this mess. Sony can take comfort that the controversy did not completely tarnish their reputation, such that many of the users affected them still use their services now. The only remaining issue, it would seem, is how much of an impact this will have on Sony’s next financial year report.
