Sony's Stringer Asked To Step Down By Shareholder At Meeting

Sony's CEO Howard Stringer appeared at a Sony shareholder meeting to discuss the losses incurred by the recent cyber attacks on the company. He stressed that the company is still looking towards online services as a key area of growth, and will continue to invest in network security. He also revealed that over 90 percent of PlayStation Network users had returned to the service.

Sony reported its third straight annual loss (for the 12 months ending March 31). However, it's key to note that the period did include the fallout from the earthquake disaster in Japan which occurred on March 11. Sony's shares are down 30 percent this year.

Many questions centered around Sony's security problems. However, Stringer pointed out that Sony is one of many companies and organizations that have suffered cyber attacks in recent months.

Stringer commented, "I think you see that cyber terrorism is now a global force, affecting many more companies than just Sony. If hackers can hack Citibank, the FBI and the CIA, and yesterday the video game company Electronics Arts, then it's a negative situation that governments may have to resolve."

However, this was not enough for one shareholder at the meeting, who reportedly suggested that Stringer step down from his position due to his inability to protect Sony's intellectual property and to allow the company to make a "fresh start."

Sources: Time and Businessweek