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Sony Compensating PlayStation Network Account Holders Affected By 2011 Security Breach
In April 2011, the PlayStation Network suffered a massive breach compromising the personal data of more than 70 million accounts and shut down the network for nearly a month. A class action lawsuit resulted, and Sony has reached a compensation settlement.
If you had a PlayStation Network, Qriocity, or Sony Online Entertainment account before May 15, 2011, then you were affected by the breach and are eligible for a few different compensations from a list of choices. Depending on the service(s) you were or are subscribed to there are a few options ranging from money back, to free additional time with paid services. Regarding the PlayStation Network, there is the option of getting some free games, some free dynamic themes, or three-months of PlayStation Plus if you are not already a Plus subscriber.
The games up for grabs, of which you can choose one or two depending on your eligibility, include PlayStation 3 and PSP titles. PlayStation 3 options include Dead Nation, Infamous, LittleBigPlanet, Super Stardust HD, Rain, Puppeteer, Invizimals: Lost Kingdom, and God of War HD. PSP options include LittleBigPlanet, ModNation Racers, Patapon 3, Killzone Liberation, Wipeout Pure, and Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror.
You can also choose, as another option, to redeem free dynamic themes based on games like Wipeout HD, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, Tokyo Jungle, The Last of Us, and Ratchet & Clank.
Getting your free stuff does require some homework. You can head here to grab the necessary forms, which are strikingly similar to tax forms, and mail them to Sony before August 31, 2015. You can find more details about the compensations on page two.
Our Take
I'm surprised to learn Sony is still dealing with the repercussions of the 2011 attack, but am thankful it is and that it means compensation for the those affected.
If You Had a PlayStation Network, Qriocity, or Sony Online Entertainment Account Before May 15, 2011, You Could Get Benefits from a Class Action Settlement.
A settlement has been reached with the Sony Entities about the illegal and unauthorized attacks (the “Intrusions”) in April 2011, on the computer network systems used to provide PlayStation Network (“PSN”), Qriocity, and Sony Online Entertainment (“SOE”) services. The Sony Entities deny any claims of wrongdoing in this case, and the settlement does not mean that the Sony Entities violated any laws or did anything wrong.
Who is included? The Class includes everyone in the US (including its territories) who had a PSN account, a Qriocity account, or an SOE account at any time before May 15, 2011.
What does the settlement provide?
There are various benefits, depending in part on what type of account(s) you had. Benefits you could get (if you qualify) include:
• Payment equal to paid wallet balances (if $2 or more) in PSN or SOE accounts that have been inactive since the Intrusions,
• One or more of the following: a free PS3 or PSP game, 3 free PS3 themes, or a free 3-month subscription to PlayStation Plus (once valid claims exceed $10 million, class members will still be eligible for one free month of PlayStation Plus),
• A free month of Music Unlimited for Qriocity account holders who did not have a PSN account,
• $4.50 in SOE Station Cash (amounts will be reduced proportionally if valid claims exceed $4 million).
Identity Theft Reimbursement: If you had out-of-pocket charges due to actual identity theft, and have documentation proving that the theft was caused by the Intrusion(s), you can submit a claim for reimbursement up to $2,500. Reimbursements will be reduced proportionally if the total amount payable on all valid claims would exceed $1 million.
How can I get benefits? To get benefits, you must file a claim form. Claim forms are available at WWW.PSNSOESETTLEMENT.COM. You can also request claim forms from the Claims Administrator by writing to PSN-SOE Settlement, PO Box 1947, Faribault, MN 55021 or by calling 1-877-552-1284. The earliest deadline to file a claim is August 31, 2015, or 60 days after the settlement becomes final and effective. Visit the website for more details on submitting a claim online or by mail.
Your other options. Even if you do nothing, you will be bound by the Court’s decisions. If you want to keep your right to sue the Sony Entities yourself, you must exclude yourself from the Settlement Class by April 10, 2015. If you stay in the Settlement Class, you may object to the settlement by April 10, 2015. For instructions on how to exclude yourself from the Class or object to the settlement, please see WWW.PSNSOESETTLEMENT.COM.
The Court will hold a hearing in this case on May 1, 2015, to consider whether to approve the settlement, and a request by Class Counsel for fees, costs, and expenses up to $2,750,000. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense.
For more information or Claim Forms:
WWW.PSNSOESETTLEMENT.COM or 1-877-552-1284
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