Ralli News

Ralli to advise Playstation Network customers after data hack
Tue 10th May 11 - 14:44

Ralli is set to advise Playstation Network customers after being alerted by users that their personal details may have been unlawfully used by hackers.

After successfully representing a number of defendants in the recent ACS:Law copyright case, we believe that there are legal implications following the security breach.

Keith Arrowsmith, Head of Intellectual Property and Media said:

"Consumers trust large corporations to carefully look after their personal information and credit card details. When that trust is broken, it is natural for people to worry about the security of their financial data.

The full effects of Sony's breach of security will not be known for some time, but there is a risk that Sony's customers may be facing a period of uncertainty and inconvenience – if nothing else, whilst game subscriptions continue to be paid whilst access to the network is suspended.

The UK has a complex mesh of regulations that may apply in this situation, including data protection laws, contract provisions, consumer protection regulations, negligence, as well as the criminal sanctions against computer hackers. I will be monitoring the information published by Sony to see which of these rules become relevant to this particular unfortunate incident."

Sony confirmed that between April 17 and April 19, 2011, user account information was compromised in connection with an "illegal and unauthorised intrusion" into their network.

User account information is thought to contain the name, address, email address, birthdate and passwords of users. It is also possible that credit card details may have also been obtained.

Nick Caplin, Sony's Head of Communications for Europe yesterday posted on the company's official Blog:

"For your security, we encourage you to be especially aware of email, telephone, and postal mail scams that ask for personal or sensitive information."

"If you have provided your credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, to be on the safe side we are advising you that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may also have been obtained."

We are urging Playstation Network customers who believe their personal and/or financial details have been used unlawfully to contact us on dataprotection@ralli.co.uk