Last night Sony Computer Entertainment and infamous hacker Goerge “Geohot” Hotz released a joint statement announcing that they have come to a settlement, and that the court case between the two is now over.
Earlier this year Hotz released security keys for the PlayStation 3 which allow users to run unapproved software on the console. While Gehot is adamant that it was not his intention to enable piracy and multiplayer hacks, these are two undeniable effects of his security hack.
Ironically, SCEA and Hotz have revealed that an agreement was met on 31 March, which was just before the internet activist group Anonymous began launching attacks against Sony for pursuing the case.
“I’m happy to have the litigation behind me,” said Hotz in a media statement, although he continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The terms of the settlement are sketchy, although the courts have approved Sony’s request for a preliminary injunction which requires Hotz to remove all information relating to the PS3 jailbreak from his website.
Sony has also been allowed to impound Hotz’s harddrives and other devices.
“We want our consumers to be able to enjoy our devices and products in a safe and fun environment and we want to protect the hard work of the talented engineers, artists, musicians and game designers who make PlayStation games and support the PlayStation Network,” said SCEA general counsel Riley Russell.
“We appreciate Mr. Hotz’s willingness to address the legal issues involved in this case and work with us to quickly bring this matter to an early resolution,” Russell added.
While Hotz has agreed to cease hacking the PS3, and stop sharing information regarding its security flaws, he is advocating a Sony boycott on his personal website.
As of 4/11/11, I am joining the SONY boycott. I will never purchase another SONY product.
I encourage you to do the same. And if you bought something SONY recently, return it.
Why would you not boycott a company who feels this way about you?
There is much more to come on this blog.
When previously asked whether he would agree to a settlement with Sony, Hotz famously replied “Lets just say, I want the settlement terms to include OtherOS on all PS3s and an apology on the PlayStation blog for ever removing it. It’d be good PR for Sony too, lord knows they could use it. I’m also willing to accept a trade, a legit path to homebrew for knowledge of how to stop new firmwares from being decrypted.”
Discuss the final outcome of the Sony vs Geohot case in the forums
Loading ...
