PlayStation Party Recording
Intro here
Software Update 8.00
On October 14th, 2020 PlayStation announced a system software 8.00 update to its PS4 system. As announced in the official PlayStation blog, updates include new avatars, ability to mute all mics, improved parental controls, and dual-factor verification. As the update rolled out, users were quick to jump to social media about a pop-up they received, stating: “Voice chats may be recorded for moderation. By joining, you agree to be recorded.” Many users questioned what this pop-up meant, its implications, and why it was not included in the announcement. Twitter users @Tacodog13 replied to the official PlayStation twitter account with a photo of the announcement with the quote “So anyone gonna acknowledge this???”
PlayStation later added an update to its announcement stating that the voice chat is a feature available on the PS5 that enables individual users to record the parties they participate in and submit them to PlayStation for content moderation. By playing in a party with a PS5 user, PlayStation users are consenting that a user may be recording them. PlayStation clarifies the company itself is not recording parties. In a followup blog by the Global Consumer Experience head at PlayStation, it is clarified that the intent is to manage online safety and report inappropriate behavior that violates its conduct code. She states “the feature will not actively monitor or listen in on your conversations”
