When PS4 firmware update 8.00 was released earlier this week, users became privy to the fact you could record voice chat, leading some to believe this provided Sony with the ability to monitor conversations. In a blog post, Sony explained this is not the case at all, as the feature is for only PlayStation owners, allowing them to record voice chat for moderation purposes. Sony apologized for not clearly communicating the new feature and explained why it was introducing it. According to Sony, the new feature was implemented for online safety and will allow users to “accurately report abuse or harassment” if they experience it while on PlayStation Network. The feature will not actively monitor or listen in on conversations. Once PS5 launches, users will be able to record a 40 second-long chat clip which can be used to file a harassment report. Only the most recent five minutes of the voice chat will be available for a player to use for this reporting. They will be able to use 20 seconds of the main conversation, plus 10 seconds before and after the conversation selected. Reports can then be submitted directly through the console and sent to Sony’s Consumer Experience team for moderation. When PS5 launches, users will be able to chat with PS4 users which is why the function was included with the latest PS4 system update. There won’t be an option to opt-out of this function because Sony wants all users to “feel safe when playing with others online,” not just “those who choose to enable it.”
