Sony is assuring potential PlayStation 5 owners that its new console and DualSense controller will not be eavesdropping on their voice chats, much to the relief of players who are understandably worried about privacy in today’s perpetually connected age. One of the many new features coming to the PS5's controller is a microphone built into its expensively cutting-edge design, which will allow players to engage in voice chat with others without the use of a headset.
However, this has raised some concerns with people who fear that their private messages and personal data might be secretly recorded and sent to Sony’s servers, and this has intensified in the past few days with a PlayStation Network firmware update seemingly warning of such recordings taking place. While the primary focus of this update is to help moderate harmful and offensive behavior during online play, some justifiably fear that something far more nefarious is afoot.
Luckily, Sony itself has just confirmed that this won’t be the case. A recent post by PlayStation Vice President of Global Consumer Experience Catherine Jensen on the PlayStation Blog offers further clarification on the PS5’s voice chat functionality, along with reassurances that the DualSense’s built-in microphone will not actively monitor or listen in on player conversations. Jensen went on to explain that PS5's voice-recording function will only keep track of five minutes of player audio at a time for the purpose supporting claims of abusive online conduct and that the adversary warning on the recent PlayStation Network update was meant for when PS5 users interact with players who still have a PS4. She also apologized for her company not iterating this new functionality more clearly beforehand.
As the PS5's November 12 release date draws near, new details about the system and its features continuing to surface at a steady pace. A recent promotion by Burger King gave fans another look at the PS5's box, and a new trailer teased the appearance of the console’s user interface alongside possible exclusive games like a new Killzone sequel. Nonetheless, the potential issues surrounding the PS5’s new Voice Chat functionality have remained a sticking point for fans wishing to jump into the new generation of console gaming.
Hence, it does Sony good to clarify the controversy surrounding the PlayStation 5’s built-in microphone sooner rather than later. Internet privacy is a pressing issue in today’s age of easy connectivity, but it’s nice to know that PlayStation Network will honor this even as it works to weed out the rampant toxicity that remains all too prevalent among online gaming communities. Meanwhile, the players who are only trying to have fun online can breathe a sigh of relief as they get ready to pick up a PlayStation 5 next month.
The PlayStation 5 will be available on November 12, 2020 in select countries and on November 19 globally. Pre-orders are available now.
Source: PlayStation